Hon,
I think there is no easy answer to this. As a (male) dom, I have never been a submissive. I don't think I could.
BUt I know mistresses that have never been subs either. And I know some that started as subs and then became a mistress later. And then there are switches, which are sometimes subs and sometimes dommes.
Welcome to the forums byt he way and keep asking questions I love that you want to know so much.
Hopefully when it is not so late others will come on and give you the benefit of their knowledge.
Good luck with your search for info. You are a welcome addition to our community. :-)
John