This idiom or expression is about:

Supporting, believing in someone or something.
Defending or protecting someone, their ideas, their honor, their physical well-being, etc.

I’m tired of being a quiet observer. Starting today, I’m standing up for victims of violence and their rights!

Also see:
Taking a stand.

This idiom or expression like phrase has to do with:

Doing things in line, or associated, with someone or something.

When someone says “A famous soul singer plans to go country,” they mean “She wants to do country music.”
When someone says “Voters are going Republican,” they mean “Voters are starting to vote for Republican candidates.”
When someone says “Companies go green,” they mean something like “They are doing things in line with saving natural resources.”
Etc.