I work in a very similar environment. I thought forcing a change would work, "they'll see, if I just work on this and show them", and technically it did. Except it then became the norm. Now if we don't deliver X number of features in tight deadlines plus all the expected but not well thought out "improvements", it is looked at like a failure by the clients. My point : setting expectations internally and externally is equally important. Don't go too far off the reservation with your ideas, but quite frankly, you're too valuable to completely stop you. Find a happy medium that works till you gain the skills you need to possibly move yourself elsewhere (internally or externally).

Not the worlds greatest advice, not the way I would want someone to start off doing, but something I am and feel I had to do to make my life more meaningful. Good luck!