Sticker orientation for abstract patterns

[Magnus Forsberg]

Which is in priority, the actual use of sticker or the placement in the sticker sheet?

Sticker sheet orientation is irrelevant. Always look for the usage orientation.
But sometimes it doesn't matter much.
Try to think as a user, trying to apply it to a model. I don't want to fiddle around to much, before I can get it into the correct position.
If the design has a clear Up-direction, it has priority.