Useful idiots never think they are not one of the elite. Ever. Its why they are so easily used.
There are different levels of Useful Idiots. Many Useful Idiots want superiors and know they are not among the elite.
Sure but they still think they are special within their own spheres and thus indispensable to the cause. They don’t need to ‘be’ the top dog, just ‘with’ the top dog because without their special talent, he wouldn’t be the top dog to begin with.
Mental illness takes a lot of forms and thats a classic one. “The power behind the throne” complex.