<p>This study focuses on Ti-55531 titanium alloy, employing a combined preparation process of powder metallurgy and thermomechanical processing to investigate the effects of hot-rolling temperature on microstructure, mechanical properties, and deformation mechanisms. The results demonstrate that hot-rolling temperature regulates the dynamic recovery/recrystallization of <i>β</i>-phase and the evolution of α-phase from acicular to equiaxed morphology, governing the gradient transition of microstructure from highly distorted to recrystallized and refined states. The mechanical properties exhibit a trend of decreasing tensile strength and yield strength, alongside a continuous improvement in elongation. The optimal strength–ductility balance is achieved after hot-rolling and annealing at 1100&#xa0;°C, attributed to the activation of multiple slip systems by {001} recrystallization texture and stress concentration alleviation by equiaxed <i>α</i>-phase. Fracture morphology evolves from mixed-mode to purely ductile characteristics, directly correlated with α-phase morphology optimization and enhanced deformation homogeneity. At the crystallographic level, the Burgers orientation relationship between <i>α</i>-/<i>β</i>-phases ensures interfacial dislocation transmission, establishing a multi-scale deformation coordination mechanism. This work provides theoretical guidance for thermomechanical processing of high-strength ductile titanium alloys in aerospace applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>