There is a fascinating book I have recommended dozens of times. “The 48 laws of power” by Robert Greene. It should sit on the bedstand of every person that even thinks they might really be a conservative.
It explains so much and so well about power, what it his and how the most powerful people in history have wielded it. For good and evil.
But this and your tribal example really come back to that whole education thing. People have been programmed to believe it’s not ‘cool’ to know things.
“Why” that is, is covered in the 48LP ;)
Then again, judging by your OP, I’ll bet you’ve read it.
I haven’t, but I’ll check it out.