> In biology, signals are traits, including structures and behaviours, that have evolved specifically because they change the behaviour of receivers in ways that benefit the signaller.

In other words, they are communication.

> When an alert bird deliberately gives a warning call to a stalking predator and the predator gives up the hunt, the sound is a signal.

Because warning calls are costly and difficult to fake? No, warning calls are faked all the time, to frighten other animals.

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_status :

> Social status defines being liked. Some writers have also referred to a socially valued role or category a person occupies as a "status" (e.g., gender, race, having a criminal conviction, etc.). Status is based in beliefs about who members of a society believe holds comparatively more or less social value.

> In a society, the relative honor and prestige accorded to individuals depends on how well an individual is perceived to match a society's goals and ideals (e.g., being pious in a religious society).

> a teacher may have a positive societal image (respect, prestige) which increases their status but may earn little money, which simultaneously decreases their status.

This all amounts to... strong support for exactly what I already said. Did you read these articles before citing them?