The problem with that argument is that status isn't determined by the person seeking it, it's determined by those deciding whether to mate with the status seeker. That's where our hardwired impulses toward status seeking derive from...our need to perpetuate the species.

That doesn't mean that it's necessarily zero sum, but it means we're not completely in control of framing it the way that you and the article are suggesting. But you are right that there are different dimensions of status because different people value different characteristics. Some people are attracted to strong men that can lift 300 pounds and others prefer the refinement of a knowledge of classical music. But if you choose to define your status to far from the societal norms, you won't find others that agree with that framing and you'll be isolated out of the gene pool.

This is somewhat of an oversimplification and we use status for more than just mate selection, but our dimensions for status seeking are still based on how we want to attract sexual partners.