An Illuminati implies a small-ish group running things. I think the reality is closer to a large number of people with riches and power who can influence events, though not entirely run them. There is no secret way of getting into this influential group; being born rich, becoming rich, running a company, being famous or becoming a politician is how you get into this group. Being a religious leader might fall into that as well. Also, Illuminati evokes an image of a specific goal that is being worked toward, but I think it’s more like a general direction (which is almost always beneficial to this group).