I'd tend to disagree with this take with regard to what the idealized version of american conservatism is. I see conservatives as more representing individuality by prioritizing individuals first over groups or identities. It focuses on laws and even handed application of law - it believes this included doing this consistently, over decades, even centuries. It holds tradition in high regard and moves on from them only grudgingly- it looks askance at what it sees as degraded falls from tradition into chaos. It is skeptical of the ability of government to help through meddling schemes that claim progress. It also tries to avoid either rule of the mob or rule of a king- representatives preferred. It can have the fault of tending to preserve old mistakes or outdated ideas even when the rationale for them has ended- but in it's best form it upholds truth and liberty as high values.
I dont think we see it in this ideal form today. Much as progressive politics is often limp wristed centrism and platitudes with no relief for the oppressed in sight- but at it's best it is a tech forward egalitarian ideology that looks to move the needle in a positive way for those who are struggling. What you termed the "status quo".It is more understanding of difference and quicker to embrace new positive things even when untested. This can be both good and bad at times. It's good when it is based on reason, logic, evidence, carefully considered. It can be cone bad and reinforce dogmatism however when it becomes based entirely on emotion driven factors as is often the case.
I actually believe the old left right dichotomy is crumbling and being g replaces by an authoritarian vs libertarian split in today's politics.