The phrase "to defy those expectations" means to go against what people think or assume you will do, and to do something surprising or different instead. Full definition
Artist Mike McLain is a boundary - pushing artist who defies the expectations of any media he uses. (thisisfabrik.com)
The HUAWEI nova series of smartphones defy expectations by flawlessly combining style and functionality. (consumer.huawei.com)
In film and fiction, Rembrandt has long embodied the archetype of the profligate, rags - to - riches genius who willfully defies expectation in both art and life. (religion-online.org)