Learning from role models (4)
I believe the answer is:
lore
'learning' is the definition.
(both can mean tradition or knowledge)
'role models' is the wordplay.
'models' is an anagram indicator.
'role' anagrammed gives 'LORE'.
'from' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for lore that I've seen before include "Role for tradition" , "Role for body of traditions" , "Role for learning" , "Wisdom" , "Old learning" .)