The way Ronald initially got powerful (6)

I believe the answer is:

strong

'powerful' is the definition.
('strong' is associated in meaning with 'powerful')

'the way ronald initially got' is the wordplay.
'the way' becomes 'st'.
'ronald' becomes 'ron' (I've seen this in other clues).
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'got' is 'g'.
'st'+'ron'+'g'='STRONG'

(Other definitions for strong that I've seen before include "Potent" , "Vigorous" , "Not faint or feeble" , "Physically powerful - feel 1 Across" , "Resilient" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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