One way to tell who is the "alpha" in an animal population, is that they're the one who NEVER has to "prove themselves". They just do their thing and expect the world to go well. They don't bully or beg, or solicit followers. Followers happen because the alpha provides security without risk. Alphas have initiative. They do things in life without seeking glory. They never worry about the pecking order. No one challenges their natural authority. They get along other alphas, too. They're sometimes mistaken for being "picked on" because they will graciously share their toys and food with underlings. But when they say jump, *everybody* jumps.
"Betas" have this need to constantly prove themselves. They tend to reject authority unless coerced. Since they're not true leaders, when they do find themselves in charge, they bully underlings (especially lower-level betas). They fight among themselves (but never with an alpha) and sometimes pick on the "nobodies". There's a spectrum from "Me tough, you dead" to the sort that constantly poke the lion from behind the safety of the fence. They cause the most trouble and they take the most risks. They don't share and may hoard resources. In a fight between two betas, the higher-status beta *always* wins. They are frequently mistaken for 'alphas' because of their aggression.
"Nobodies" are like alphas, but without the initiative. They have no clue socially. When there's a goal or a fight they're the ones who stand around going "Wha'happened?" and sometimes they make easy targets because they won't defend themselves. But they're easy to get along with, because they don't have an excessive need to perform for themselves or anyone else.
These types are inherited, not made or learned. And I've noted that my 'rules' apply pretty well across social predator species, including humans.
[I'm a pro dog trainer with 45 years experience, whence these observations.]