Can someone explain to me why Ryu's light hit x 3, shoryuken combo is so widely used?

[skyhrg]

In my naive mind, I imagine combos should start with mediums or hards because they do more damage. But I see pro Ryu's doing light hit x 3, shoryuken combos.

Is there any advantage or reason for doing this?

[Ahriman]

what's faster and safer, a jab or medium/heavy? every character confirms lights into specials except zangief (rip), obviously if you land a medium or heavy you go for a bigger combo with Ryu as well. 4F lights are commonly used to challenge on defense and to frametrap, so you will most commonly see jab confirms into specials

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Because lights are safe in the case that they drive impact you can still respond. Throwing out a heavy in a non safe situation will just get you punished. Easy safe combo to do in gold and below.

[C1REX]

3 lights can beat Drive Impact and are much easier to hit confirm into super than a single mid or heavy.
Starting from heavy should be for situations, where it's a guaranteed punish.