> ie trying to not do new things because it takes more work to change
That's not what the word conservative means, not by the dictionary or even politically.
Conservative is the averse to change or to hold traditional values without logic. It's more like a type of fear. Even if the change was easy or have 0 cost, a conservative entity won't do it.
Why did you copy the dictionary's definition nearly perfectly, but then add "without logic"?
In many cases, the conservative approach to a problem is prudent because the old ways work whereas there is more risk and uncertainty with new.
That's not fear, it's wisdom.