Coherence Under Transformation as Ontological Bedrock: A Rigorous Grounding of Identity, Persistence, and Non-Contradiction

We prove that coherence under transformation is ontologically prior to persistence, re-identifiability, and the classical logical laws commonly treated as foundational. The argument proceeds from minimal meta-assumptions required for non-vacuous reference and does not presuppose classical logic as an ontological primitive. We show that (i) persistence entails re-identifiability, (ii) re-identifiability entails non-trivial invariant structure, and (iii) globally coupled contradiction eliminates such structure. From this it follows that contradiction cannot persist. Apparent counterexamples are classified exhaustively by a trilemma: partitioning, decay, or misdescription. Identity and the Law of Identity emerge as stabilized consequences of successful coherence rather than its foundation. The result establishes coherence under transformation as ontological bedrock.