People don't seek power, they seek status. Powerful positions are often high-status.

I disagree. I think your average college graduate with an inflated ego and a job in programming or computer science wants status. Of the Navy admirals and NRC commissioners I’ve had lunch with, none seemed to give two shits about their position beyond the control it gave them over their spheres of influence. They want to be in charge because they believe it is their right and duty as subject masters.

Your average politician may be less intelligent and scrupulous, but I believe most career politicians are motivated by a “love of the game” more than any social hierarchy incentives. They enjoy the grind, damn the expense.