To me his messaging (whether that's his actual goal) is clear through his action (and words), mostly along the lines of bringing the sci fi world of the future into the present:

- Space X -> we need humans on mars

- openAI -> we need the power of AI

- neuralink -> also the AI talks to our brains (arguably the most rational path to immortality, a common goal of billionaires)

- tesla -> e cars are feasible, simpler, better for the environment

- starlink -> internet for anyone is feasible and rural areas are poorly served

- boring company -> make roads 3D and traffic is gone

all that, I wouldn't call dicking around. He doesn't give a fuck about a lot, but he gives a fuck about cool sci fi stuff