Does the first talent rank grant +2 or +2 then +1 for being a rank equaling +3?

For example it says "suffer 3 strain to reduce dmg by 2 PLUS RANKS in Parry. Does the initial rank count as a plus rank, making it reduce dmg by 3?

I would say yes is your quote it correct.

Yes.

The first rank of a ranked talent does indeed count as a rank in said talent.