Most messages communicate multiple messages simultaneously. For example, there maybe a surface message, and an underlying message. The norm among women is to avoid signaling status differences. So men are less likely to use mitigation at the office, or to use it only with female subordinates. However, certain kinds of indirection are a prerogative of power.
Men tend to be direct in public talk, and more indirect in private talk.
People who use a lot of indirection tend to prefer others to use it on them, and vice-versa. I really need to get this report done, but I can't do it myself. In contrast, men often think they are being manipulated when people are indirect, and would rather just be told directly. The indirection is perceived as deceitful. Things have been frantic around here.