Yeah, I think you're right.
For what it's worth, I'd say RuPaul's Drag Race does reality TV in a more wholesome way than your standard Reality TV show, and it's also IMHO far more successful than other shows. Maybe not in ratings, but in terms of overall dedication and richness of the fandom it's utterly unparalleled.
Yes, it's true that it's still a reality TV show with drama, but it's also got a pretty uplifting (and overtly political) message and has done a lot to elevate queer artistry and start mainstream conversations about important issues. I think people show up for the initial drama, but they stay because it introduces people to an entire world of queer art/history, and ultimately shows them a new way of seeing themselves.
The fandom is much hotter than any reality TV show I've encountered to date. Even in the off-season there's a steady supply of fresh meme's, inside jokes, etc. and that's not including dragcon, the insane number of tours (national and worldwide), countless podcasts, YouTube channels, etc. There are so many internal references, inside jokes, gags, etc. that to outsiders it can sound like a completely different language. And the cool thing about it is you can travel anywhere in the world, locate the nearest drag bar, and know that the people there will get the reference.
The queens are all very proficient artists across a wide range of mediums, so even though the show itself can skew a bit conservative (I think due in part to the format and the fact that Rupaul is a boomer) the queens from the show act as a good counterbalance.
Idk, just my two cents. I think that the medium can be done in a way that really adds something of value to society. I also do think people catch on and become more invested in the show when that happens.
However, RPDR started off as this super niche thing that got no attention. If you watch OG Season 1 it's a completely different show budget and ratings-wise even though all the main elements for success were in place already. It took a whole decade for it to reach it's current status. So there may also be something to your idea that these sorts of shows are a slow burn rather than a quick success or a flash in the pan.