I think it's a verbal marker of upward social mobility. Low status folks say "me" when they should say "I," so some people overcompensate, using "I" too often. There is no "me" in "nouveau riche."

Person dies and finds themselves in front of the pearly gates.

A voice booms out, "Who's there?"

Person says, "It is I."

The voice says, "Go away. We already have enough English teachers."