I don't really have a good explanation myself as I am trying to figure out how to navigate serious power differentials myself with grace and respect, but I think it's a lot simpler than the path you're going down. This particular case may have something to do with copyright, but I have no knowledge of the specific case and was trying to talk about cultural appropriation in general. I currently think that "cultural appropriation" has nothing to do with ownership - I think it's more about respect than ownership or payment or anything like that.