Populist regimes differ from traditional political systems primarily through their anti-establishment rhetoric and direct appeal to the common people. Such regimes often leverage nationalism and emotion, distributing power dynamically rather than through established political hierarchies. In contrast to traditional systems that emphasize institutional frameworks and elite governance, populism can create a cult of personality around leaders, who position themselves as champions of the people against perceived elites. This can lead to significant shifts in policy, prioritizing popular sentiment over institutional norms and stability, resulting in less predictable governance.