Create an option to make a tag/label "sticky". Or, option to make all messages with a specific custom tag(s)/label(s) sticky in the Inbox and other folders. Starred doesn't quite do it, as you cannot set that as a sort condition. Sticky custom tag/label would be more precise and flexible than 'starred', because one might 'star' a message for multiple reasons.

And/or, option to set a tag or folder as the default view, upon application loading.

Use case: tag "needs followup" or "to do" as default view so that user sees that first thing.

Note: 'Sticking' meaning that they appear prioritized at the top of the messages list no matter the sorting setting for a particular folder.