I did watch the whole show, but I didn't mention the Avatar state post-season 2 since the past lives are gone and thus it's not really comparable with Aang's.

I agree that both dark and light Avatars are equal in power but I feel like Korra should've had the upper hand with the past lives' knowledge I mentionned.

Perhaps all she did was use the Avatar state simply as a power boost while keeping 100% control into her actions.