Looking out for her sisters and being driven by ambition isnt really that contradicting isnt it?Okay, but it's still confusing though.
Because it seemed like she was very protective of other girls. Strongly disproves of what Quinn is doing to the sisters. Slaps the jock for slutshaming Cathy. Tries to help Josy's chances with MC (unaware that Josy is in a relationship). Wants to get her girls at the Pink Rose better deals on drugs with 0 interest in charging them extra. The list goes on about how much she supports other girls, that was just a few of many examples. It's been like a defining characteristic of her.
And then all of a sudden she is obsessed with status and power which suggests to me that she wants to be better than all the other girls. Just feels like these two things contradict one another. It would be like Elena suddenly becoming obsessed with status and power.
Shes clearly aiming to be Sage's successor as HoT-President, having influence like that makes it way easier for her to look out for the other girls and keep Quinn in check for example and having the mc to back her up enhances this even more. If Quinn for example becomes the new president, lily's possibilitys of defending other girls would be decreaed.
I think the whole flexing thing is awkward too but shes upfront and very open about it towards the mc, she sees the two of them as the new big college players, destined to lead each of their frats and having a lot of influence like that (like Sage/Chad). Being a sorority-president is probably good for her resume too.
Shes smart, driven and independent and knows how to achieve her goals. She cant allow herself to fall in love as she wouldnt be able to keep stripping if shes really in mutual love with someone.