In my car it's literally a symbol that's always there that silently turns red, there's nothing annoying, infuriating or otherwise attention-grabbing about it, it's just something you'll see if you happen to look at the speedometer.

I wouldn't assume that your experience applies to all cars. Different manufacturers will implement it differently.

It's not very encouraging that you are trying to overtake someone by speeding.

I prefer to quickly get past someone so that even faster traffic can also proceed. It's more dangerous to keep 2 lanes occupied while a line of cars is pushing behind you. It's a fact that some cars will go fast, better to let them pass. Obviously still being safe while speeding... If someone in the right lane is going 95km/hr, I'm willing to speed up to around 105-108km/hr - it's perfectly safe.

The reasons other cars want to go fast/exceed the limit is not really something I worry about. What if they're going to the hospital? What if they're undercover cops getting to a scene? What if they just want to get to work fast? I don't care. I care about my safety, so better get out of their way safely. If I notice someone coming up behind me with 120km/hr in a 100km/hr zone, I am 100% speeding up so I can move out of their way. If I don't, all that's going to happen is them having to brake hard, causing other behind them to brake out of instinct... It's the fault of the person speeding of course, but people at fault aren't the only ones getting hurt by their actions.

Any sensible driver on the road knows to prioritize a safe (aka quick) overtake maneuver over a prolonged one that keeps things under the speed limit. It's great if both things can be achieved. But if not, the two preferable options are to stay behind, or to do it safely and in a way that doesn't hinder any other cars.

If it’s prolonged by staying under the speed limit then perhaps the other vehicle isn’t actually going that slowly and so doesn’t need to be overtaken?

Indeed, and that's why staying behind is always an option. Driving is an activity governed by a set of regulations, but common sense is the glue that ties everything together. This includes when to bend or break rules.

Kinda like programming.

I have done the advanced motorcycle training and safety - everyone’s, not just mine - is the top priority, and overtaking safely and smoothly is paramount. If you happen to exceed the speed limit briefly while doing so, it is not commented on. Safety is the main constraint when riding or driving, not speeding.

How many times have you overtaken someone outside of a highway?