The other element is imitation of wealth. Wealthy people have ‘clean’ (can be read lifeless) space as a show of wealth.

This is a large part of it, TBH. Completely clear spaces mean you have space. Lots of large houses have kitchens that are almost barren with cooking tools, because they actually have space to properly store everything. And that means they have a large kitchen. It’s not that they have fewer things; they just have more places to put the things they have.

Also, proper minimalism is actually fairly expensive. Minimalism is usually focused on having high quality items that can last and long time, work well, and can do multiple tasks. And it also means you’re okay re-buying things that you may only occasionally need.

They’d never dream of using the rusty hand-crank can opener that is older than your grandparents. Instead, they’ll use an automatic can opener, jar opener, jar re-sealer, soda can crusher, vacuum sealer, and sous vide cooker, all in one. It is an essential part of every minimalist kitchen, and you can have it for the low low price of only $5000. Oh, all of those things can be independently purchased for a fraction of that cost? Well now your kitchen is full of single-use tools that all take up space. Not very clean and tidy, is it? Now all of your storage space is full, and your kitchen is messy.