Champion Creation Process

For a writing class of in college, I am researching why game designers create characters that appear the way they do, in particularly looking at female champions looking very "idealized" and "sexualized", but also applying to male champions also fulfilling certain stereotypes. I find that even champions who might break traditional gender RPG roles, such as Irelia and Leona being fighters/tanks still emphasize gender features, notably the joke with "Frostbutt" Irelia. It would be great if I could get some input from champion designers, especially on the visual/character side. What are some of champion designer's thought processes? What has caused a switch to some champions that break the traditional mold (ex. Illaoi and Taliyah). Thank you!