I also prefer quick expansion to delaying for the NC, and liberty is great for this. Citizenship & Collective rule are very powerful for any start, and if you truly go REXing, the other three policies work very well.
My main problem is that the AI all tend to attack me relentlessly when I expand a bit. So, remember to mix in a few warriors & archers in your early builds if you go this route.
Honor is a very strong option now, it has a lot to offer in early culture & happiness, in addition to the wartime benefits.
Tradition is still great for super-capitals, those with unique temples, wonder-builders, etc.. But I feel it's a bit more situational with the changes to landed elite, not as universally useful.