This may be true, but I'd also argue that distinguishing power solely derived from hierarchy (nepotism) and everything else can be difficult. I might be misund

This may be true, but I'd also argue that distinguishing power solely derived from hierarchy (nepotism) and everything else can be difficult. I might be misunderstanding, but it sounds like you're saying meritocratic hierarchy can't exist. The observed behavior of someone in a higher position might simply be because it's their job to detect and correct ignorance and inefficiency.