Can initial setup be skipped on new MacBook Pro before using Migration Assistant?

You'll be given the option to use the Migration Assistant as part of the initial setup. Beyond that, no.

For reference, using it isn't an actual clone, nor is cloning possible in your case; Ventura doesn't contain the drivers needed to boot an M4 Mac.

(264811)

<< I plan to use a USB-C cable for a hardwired connection between both laptops. >>

USB-C is a strictly Local peripheral interface, and does NOT support computer-to-computer connection. if you do nothing else to provide a better connection, the two computers will establish an Ad-hoc Wi-Fi connection (not through your Router) to make the transfer.

the standard setup asks you to:

• create a new User -OR-

• specify where the data to be imported can be found, and allow connection to available Macs within reach.

this is not wonky, its the regular way Macs are set up, and you are not bypassing anything.

However, if you have a lot of stuff on iCloud, and do not want to WAIT while it is brought up to date (and NOTHING else can happen util completed), then defer setting up you Apple-ID until later. When deferred until later, iCloud sync is done asynchronously instead, and other work can proceed while it is sync-ing.

-----

The fastest way to transfer files from your old Mac is to use your old Mac's Trusted Time Machine backup drive, and connect it to the new Mac as the source for Users and files and stuff to be brought over. WAY faster than networking.

If you do not yet have an established Time Machine drive, consider creating one today, either starting from your old Mac or from your migrated new Mac.

<< I wish to clone [MacOS] >>

Sorry, that is no longer possible at all.

MacOS 11 Big Sur began implementing the separate crypto-Sealed System Volume. MacOS must now be installed ONLY from verifiable fundamental sources, and existing instances of MacOS can no longer be used as a source.