You start out relatively strong, and you just conquer all the kingdoms of the Andes. Cusco, though maybe with El Dorado DLC turned off due to Native mechanics. The beginning is a little tricky (get an ally immediately), but after you conquer the various tribes around you, got got special decisions that allow you to easily conquer all of China to form the Qing dynasty. Like Vijayanangar, they are a 'go from small to big' kind of faction. They got pretty good national ideas, start out with a good army and very small kingdoms to vassalize, and are situated in the south of India, so you only need to worry about what is north of you. They are a good start if you want to be one of those 'emerging' powers. That is the yellow kingdom on the southern tip of India. They are pretty powerful, and you can get your ropes around exploration and colonization. It is easy enough to stay powerful, yet France has enough bad events happen that allows you to learn how to manage your empire properly. They are arguably the most powerful nation to play as due to their insane ideas and events. England (you are on an island, start out with a massive navy, and have military superiority over the Scots). Probably the easiest and most productive starts for new players are:

Europa universalis 4 start date