What is the essence of the idiom 'steep in'?

Source: The Free Dictionary

1. Literally, to soak something in some substance in order to imbue something into or draw something out of it. A noun or pronoun is used between "steep" and "in"; often used in passive constructions.You can steep tea leaves in cold water and still extract the same flavor, but it works much quicker with hot water.The cloth is steeped in a special mixture of chemicals that give is a softness similar to silk. 2. To expose someone or something to or immerse them or it in a particular experience or situation in order to be saturated or imbued with some property. A noun or pronoun is used between "steep" and "in"; often used in passive constructions.My parents made a special effort to steep my sibling and me in a wide range of cultural and educational influences from a very young age.As the leading university of our country for over 300 years, this school is steeped in history and tradition. It seems to me that the general essence of this idiom revolves around the notion of someone or something getting stronger/becoming a master of an art/craft through constant exposure to a place or thing. If there's anything wrong with my mini analysis, don't hesitate to correct me.