This is classic Apple strategy. Apple now makes its own chips, buys up memory by the billions, etc. It uses its economies of scale to further solidify its moat.
You are certainly right to draw a parallel--they both want to change the world--but Musk literally wants to evolve humanity.
You know, I watch his talks (because I'm interested in the work his company's do) and listen to the investor's quarterly conference calls (because I own a small stake in TSLA) and I don't understand where the hero worship comes from.
To me, Musk comes off as another shrewd business man, almost crossing over into the slick/shady end of the spectrum sometimes.