> everyone seems to be conservative and no one my age wants to aim big.
That's the same everywhere. Media has to find something to share so normal people don't get much attention. Imagine today's news being "just another day".
Most people in the US also aren’t starting companies. There’s definitely a huge difference in culture, but I wouldn’t find any excuse in “if I were in the US this wouldn’t be a problem.”
Competence and risk-on is a rare combination everywhere (which is why it can be so highly rewarded).