Costlier versions of the Roadster, Model S, and Model X were available before the base versions were. If Tesla had done the opposite with the Model 3, that would have been the exception.
You're wrong about all of these: Tesla was clear that the more expensive Model 3's would ship first, and S and X both shipped the most expensive ones first.
Model X deposits ranged from $5k for the base model to $40k for the Signature model. Those deposits sat for up to 3 years for early reservations.
The upcoming Roadster requires $50k and $250k deposits.
The upcoming Semi requires a $20k deposit.
The original Roadster also required a deposit.
I'm unsure of the original Model S.
Tesla's current estimate for base Model 3's is "late 2018" for early reservation holders. Take that with a grain of salt given how reliably they announce unreliable release dates.
I do not think deposits were taken for the models you mentioned.