My puppy stared at me when I pushed her off the couch, is this a sign of dominance and if so, how should I handle it?

I have a 5-month old malinois mix as a house pet. I want a calm submissive dog in the house. I use your streaming service to build trust and engagement. She loves games, waits patiently at all doors, makes eye contact, and is crate trained, and has learned the “place” command. I also let her jump on the furniture at her own discretion. I watched your video on Pack Structure and I’ve decided I only want her on the couch if I allow it. She jumped on the couch (and on me) and I told her “off” and pushed her off the couch. She sat on her “place” but she was staring at me in a way that seemed to say “I’m not entirely buying into the idea that you are the pack leader.” It wasn’t the kind of eye contact she gives in engagement games when she seems to be saying “teach me.” So we had a long staring contest (I didn’t say or do anything), but kept staring, and then she laid down and went to sleep. At these times, should I get into a staring contest, or should I look away and ignore her?