RED
Think game theory and the stereotype of win-win compromise – especially when confronted by overwhelming odds and surrender is the common/expected practice, or when conceding is generally assumed to be the 'right thing' to do for the sake of self-interest.
Well if you do not comform to the win-win myth you might choose instead to DEFY.
What is a RED flag raised by the underdog, or percieved loser, when the outcome is thought no longer in doubt and the process just needs to play out.
Red flag of DEFIANCE.
But think mirror. When would the RED FLAG be raised by the presumed powerhouse who has the upperhand and is read to destroy the weakened adversary. A different kind of defiance. In such a circumstance the common practice might be to offer a way out, surrender for example, major concessions for example, treasure for example, sacrificed individuals for example. And so putting aside those common practices foregoing the option to accept surrender or some sort of apparent win-win based on self-interest would be defiance of the 'norm' or the expected.
Flying the RED FLAG of defiance can mean signalling that no surrender will be accepted. A crushing defeat regardless of the potential for surrender.
It can also mean NO DEALS. Fight to the death. No way out.
Now, rethink the surrounding of the CAPITOL with fencing and such and ringed with armed 'protectors'. When a sanctuary becomes a prison, there is no surrender, no deals, no win-win pretense.
EXPECT the symbolism of a RED FLAG to include the gestures of defiance, such as waving a red shirt or the 'seeing red' and the 'caught red handed' all being at play in how people signal to each other their condition and their intentions.