Is it

>! plinth?

My beginning is the first part of a type or an action.
For type, two is normal, some use more for different traction.

>! PLy, a way to categorize toilet paper/paper towels (typically 2 ply, can also be 1 or 3. I don't know that much about it, but generally the more plies used, the softer each ply can be while maintaining the same strength. Also relevant to plywood, which might be what the riddle is referring to with traction?), Ply is also a verb (action) with various [definitions][1].

My middle is the first part of a well-known abbreviation.
It's included in things from Zamboni to Aviation.

>! INc, short for incorporated. Zamboni and Aviation (gin) are both companies 

My ending is the first part of a very popular article.
To see it is simple, definitely larger than a particle.
>! THe, the most common article in the English language. Not sure about the part about the particle though - perhaps simply because it's the longest particle, as noted by TCooper

So cleverly together, my pieces do raise.
Though first, I'm usually the last to get praise.
>! A plinth is a pedestal to hold up a statue. Presumably they are placed before the statue, but people don't typically notice the plinth as they are too busy looking at the statue.


  [1]: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ply