I just noticed something about Kion and his non-canon counterpart, Kopa. They are kinda similar, in fact.
Both of their themes include befriending other species. Just like Kopa directly questions Simba's authority and why lions are in charge, Kion assembles the lion guard from other animals. Both of them befriend a hyena at one point or anothet. Both look a lot like Mufasa, with broad shoulders, tuft of mane, and small fur color contrast. Both know a cheetah, and both are somewhat often scolded by their dad. Their names start with the same letter and have the same number of letters, too.
I know it's a coincidence, but I think it's kinda fun.