They literally start using it as a way to lay out tables (usually of data). Then they make graphs. And add more tables. And learn how to use it like a basic pocket calculator (half of the formula I see that should be sums are actually =B21+B22+B23+B24+B25…) Then comes SUM. Then VLOOOKUP. Perhaps some IFs or COUNTIFs.

This process can take years for someone to go from first use to anything even slightly programming-like, if you squint at it.

A tiny fraction of these people ever do anything complex enough it looks even much like low-code or no-code "development". Even less write macros.

But you know what? In the first half hour, when all they wanted was to email round a list of team members and their lunch preferences, they already achieved something with Excel that they found useful, and they felt productive ever since. Most Excel users spend almost NO time learning the tool compared to how much time they spend getting (what they see as, and what probably is) value out of it, even when we are sat in sheer terror as we witness the horror they have unleashed on the world.

That is the bar you have to clear to make a "better Excel".