This is linux question, not about the imx itself, please read the linux document.
Here is imx forum, not linux forum.
config in dts, should be the gpio-hog.
others must combined to a certain device such a phy, pcie, etc.
Read the linux documents. strong suggest you to do it.
Pin is not gpio. GPIO is the same as uart, i2c. without pin configuration. GPIO still can work, just no way output or input, linux uart could work without pin configuration. it is the same.
Please make sure you understand the pin and the gpio, uart, etc. modules.
GPIO is the same as ADC, SAI, Timer. Pin is related to the IOMUX and IOMUX right side in this picture.
pin pull up/down no any related to the GPIO input/output. pull up/down also can be use as ADC output or input "pin".
“Other SOC”, which one. all the binding guide in linux is
in the linux/Documentation/devicetree/bindings/gpio/. I don't find one not follow the linux.
Some SOC has no pin/iomux. The GPIO pin is dedicated. no need to configurate the pin for GPIO. but still need to follow the linux to config the GPIO.

It is in very details. for the linux, next time read the linux documents.
Before you say "surprise", make sure you understand the linux documents.
linux/Documentation/gpio/gpio.txt
linux/Documentation/gpio/sysfs.txt
linux/Documentation/devicetree/bindings/gpio/gpio.txt
How to use gpio-hog demo
https://community.nxp.com/t5/i-MX-Processors-Knowledge-Base/How-to-use-gpio-hog-demo/ta-p/1317709
Simple GPIO Example - quandry
https://community.nxp.com/t5/i-MX-Processors/Simple-GPIO-Example-quandry/m-p/458761#598834
Accessing GPIO From UserSpace
https://community.nxp.com/t5/i-MX-Processors-Knowledge-Base/Accessing-GPIO-From-UserSpace/ta-p/11131...