Copying a file structure while retaining permissions (SharePoint Online)

Is there a way to copy a file structure and retain permissions? My organization has built a template file structure with each directory having a unique set of permissions, and when copying, SharePoint reinstates the inheritance for the parent folder.

Any work-arounds or ways to avoid this? Looks like it can be done with PowerShell, and I have attempted to, but it is proving to be a lot more complicated than anticipated.

Thanks for your time