The lotus flower in Buddhism is symbolic.
The lotus flower grows up from the bottom of swamps of some of the worst muck, reaches up towards the light of the Sun, eventually to reach the surface of the water whereby it gets a breath of fresh air and blossoms to be so beautiful.
The symbolism is that it represents the ordinary person, who is born and raised in an environment which may contain a lot of questionable ways, morals and principles, but has the potential to learn and creatively rise above its environment. If it rises high enough, then it reaches the surface and can fully realize the potential of life.