USB-PD is only specified for USB-C. I think they use an extra channel for this configuration, so it’s not possible to use PD over A plugs.
There were competing standards like Qualcom quick charge. AFAIK they never went above 20-ish watts on USB-A, while PD is specced at up to 240W.
Oh no the wires are a mess. Usb3 cables have extra wires and pins for super-speed. IIRC usb-c has said extra pins for usb configuration like pd or displayport alt mode. The wires can also be different. Some can carry more current, most cables are insufficient for really high data rates…