Plugin Help Help configure Ranks on server. EssentialsX and PermissionsEx

Hello all,

I recently started a new server (for educational reasons). I am trying to re-learn how to set up plugins and configure files and such.

I am having an issue with one plugin. I think its EssentialsX or PermissionsEx. The issue is that all ranks appear in grey color. But I want different colors on each. I am including list of plugins and some files. Please let me know if anything else is needed in order to get some help.

List of Plugins:
Vault
Worldborder
worldedit
worldguard
EssentialsX
EssentialsXChat
PermissionsEx

EssentialsX - Config File
https://pastebin.com/vT68pMet
PermissionsEx - Permissions File
https://pastebin.com/FXX5waBw

Following image shows how rank appears as GREY color and not the intended color.
Same grey color appears on all ranks. Permissions are working, only issue at this time is with the rank display color.