When the masses first oppose, the elite take that as “proof” of their assumption of superiority - “see, the rubes don’t understand the superiority of this idea”.
Then, like you said, if the resistance continues, they will use force to make the ignorant masses comply with their superior vision.
What we’re seeing now is a bit of a twist on that, though.
I believe that the elite that are presently in power are just sick and tired of the resistance, and are looking to PROVOKE a reaction that will justify wholesale extermination and incarceration of their political opposition.
“....PROVOKE a reaction that will justify”
Justify the expense of their Ivy League educations....and consequent narcissism..