I would say that you could take the statement another way around. Elements or similar is likely to be complicated enough to keep you going for quite a time while you learn the basics. However the basics are the same in all of the program flavours. It is just that the Pro version will not eventually run out of capability as your understanding and desire to manipulate your musical world grows.
You could study the upgrade paths, start at the budget end and see how you go. Getting to grips with MIDI - and VSTi instruments is part of it, but a good understanding of audio events and parts will be crucial, also learning the way audio moves through your system and of course making sense of the jargon.
Have a good look at tutorials at all levels to get a glimpse of the possibilities. There are 1,000s on YouTube.
In brief, C8.5 Pro will be “really useful”. Just more functional than your early needs might require.