I agree, but that is generally not referred to as modes. A mode in UI is, when it switches and the inputs behave different. For example the "Insert" key is a mode. One could argue that Editing and Debugging (of code) are two different modes.

What you (and me) dislike are "assistants". It is when a UI decides upon something. If you take close attention you can see clippy flash up and give a helping hand. /s.