I’d differentiate between “social status” and “authority”.
Social status = social hierachy/worth inside a group, e.g. a class where you have “losers” and popular kids. Or inside a shop where sometimes employees serve people very differently regarding their appearance (Client with much money? Client looking poor?).
Authority = rolls given by system/government/laws, e.g. Police that have authority over citizens
The first is more invisible and vague, while the second is something that is tangible.
Thats at least my take :D
Also, your kid might already know these concepts, at least unconsciously. I’d try to teach them modesty and repaying kindness with kindness and not weighting the social status too much but also consider the personality. The most popular kids in class aren’t the kindest in most cases.