In addition to Paul's remarks: Looking at the actual wings it is a clear case of "simply" unfolding the wings as ladybirds do just before taking off - not "pumping up" fresh wings. I'll see about some pumping-pix later.
Why the beetle is taking so darn long to complete an action that would normally take about a second is beyond me though. Is it too cold? Then why is it even considering flying in the first place
Or is it the first
"oh my lord - I'm still soooo stiff" stretching out after a good winters sleep?? Is that even known to be a slower "stretch" than the normal ones
Somehow the photos also remind me of beetles that didn't quite make it out of the pupa "as intended" (typically happens to "late emergences" after a relatively cold - and thus long - pupa-stage). Seen some of these walking around with their elytra wide open (more or less like yours) for the rest of their lives, but mostly the elytra would look a bit more "warped" on these. (Edit: With this I'm suggesting a beetle that emerged damaged in fall and has miraculously made it through winter anyway - not one that emerged just now)
All in all, I'm betting mostly on the "cold start" theory ...
Cheers, Arp