There's no right or wrong in role-playing, and there's no defining it -- as in what it should be or be like.
Much like anything with ties to creativity it's inspiration-based. Ever read a book, watched a movie anywhere near sci-fi? That's where it starts. I can't help but think of "I, Robot" whenever I make my cyborgs and then, synths. Theoretically, you'd be role-playing full time if you forced your leader to abide by, say, the faction rules. Or, if you sided with protecting fellow spiritualists against a machine empire. Generally speaking, when your decisions aren't based so much on what you think is good to get to the late game as on what your species and their leaders would go for at that time.
Duh, I guess I haven't really clarified anything to you. All in all, one can role-play solo, just like some of us -- with inclination for it -- found themselves role-playing in GTA and RPGs like TES. If you want something more than that -- with player interaction, that is -- you should find people that'll do RP diplomacy I guess.