I wonder if this operates at the mimetic level instead of the genetic level, making this a cultural phenomenon rather than a biological one. As the article points out, in humans this striving for status/money doesn't confer much of a biological advantage, at least beyond a point.

Hypothesis for mimetic reproduction: People with status and money (who tend to have desired it and worked towards it) weild more influence on a larger set of people than otherwise, and can broadcast their approach/perspective. A large number of people will then aspire to follow in their footsteps and similarly seek status and money, continuing this cycle.