"Senusret I" gave some good advice regarding the topic of "stepping." You definitely don't want to try and enter an NPHC stepshow (or any stepshow for that matter) doing Divine 9 signature steps.
As for the different styles, all of the Divine 9 have their own signature steps and style of stepping, and speaking as a former stepper and stepmistress (stepteam choreographer), I personally don't like to see other groups perform the moves that we are best known for and have perfected over the years. Now among the D9, orgs will sometimes perform the steps of other orgs but this is at best a form of flattery. Often times a D9 org will cheer and chant when another D9 org does their step. It's normal to see a D9 sorority perform the step of a D9 fraternity and the other way around as a tribute or for comedic effect in a show. We all have respect for one another and our rich histories so it's all understood between us.
As for cane stepping in the D9, members of Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho are also known to step with canes (although not all chapters) but for the Kappas, it's their signature. Phi Beta Sigma has their own steps using the cane (although most of their steps are not with canes and not all chapters use them) and the cane steps that some chapters of Sigma Gamma Rho perform are borrowed (for the most part) from the Kappas since some chapters share a close relationship with them. Among members of Sigma Gamma Rho (and other D9 orgs) some step with staffs or simply own them.
The bottom line is that I'm glad that you are taking the time to learn about the D9 stepping tradition. It's easier to copy steps from others but it takes a little more creativity and dedication to come up with your own. When people say this can't be done, I just shake my head because it CAN be done. My undergrad stepteam was a champion stepteam and we grew tired of performing our traditional steps one year so we created new ones. One show we did had all new steps...all new ones. Sure we used some of our traditional beats but the moves were new and creative and still in line with our signature style. We even used some new beats. As long as there are beats out there (hip hop beats are wonderful for this), you can create new moves for new steps.
If you're looking for new steps and want to come up with your own style, I would try seeking out a step choreographer (maybe a D9 member can help) and ask them to work with you. Just explain to them that you love stepping but you want your organization to have your own signature style and steps. I think they would respect that and might really want to help, although maybe for a small fee. I know I would charge...stepping ain't easy...
