OSX issue
OSX issue
You might encounter a dead drive. Another frequent problem is that the system date and time may not align with the current time, requiring you to adjust settings in Terminal. This guide could provide some assistance... Additionally, if you're new to Mac and attempting to install MacOS on a used device, you'll need to add macOS to your iCloud account before internet recovery becomes available. I don't believe that's your main concern, though I've handled this situation before.
Reflecting on past challenges, I recall similar issues I faced earlier.
You're asking about what a white or blank screen means. It could be a completely empty display or it might appear suddenly without warning. On older versions like El Capitan, the system date can't reflect the present time. Usually I just input a past date, such as "date 0101010116". Internet Recovery doesn't need the Mac linked to an iCloud account, especially in newer macOS releases.
When I encountered this problem, it only functioned correctly after setting it to the current date and time. For El Capitan it works reliably. This is based on my direct experience, which can be quite frustrating. Also, a 2010 MacBook Pro may struggle with the latest macOS versions, which might explain the issue.
Interesting. The different installer you started from must have varied from the one Apple provides today. That previous version isn't compatible with today's dates. I've never needed an iCloud account while using Internet Recovery, even with El Capitan. Internet Recovery tends to be problematic in general, so it's unclear why it might request it. Personally, I haven't encountered this issue and use Internet Recovery often. I'm not sure if you faced it, but it seems unlikely unless you follow Apple's guidelines. You can install newer macOS versions on a 2010 MacBook Pro using third-party patch tools. Dosdude1 has created several of them, and OCLP is another solid option. OCLP also functions with AMD Radeon HD 5000 and 6000 graphics cards, which is a plus.