Plasma is an L1 blockchain specifically built to support the practical mechanics of modern finance, in which a focus on speed, cost efficiency and liquidity is more important than experiments. Plasma enables builders with full EVM compatibility via Reth with sub-second finality via PlasmaBFT, that that the developers can run applications based on Ethereum functionality but on a structure that is optimized to perform payments and settlements.
The only difference that actually makes Plasma stand out is its stablecoin first design philosophy. The capabilities such as gasless USDT transfers and making a transaction fee payment in the form of stablecoins eliminate friction among ordinary users and institutions. This strategy fits perfectly in the areas with already functional stablecoins as digital cash. Plasma instead makes the general-purpose blockchain conform to stablecoins, developing a settlement layer with same-scale, high-reliability, and high-finance capabilities.