What kind of music do you want to play and what formats, single, duo, or larger groups? If you know that, then start listening/watching to groups who play it well. Most genres, such as Country, Rock, R&B, etc., have well established roles for rhythm guitar.
For example, in Country music a rhythm guitarist will often play only on the four beats to the bar, or just two beats on the 2 and 4. They might use a pattern of playing the root note of a chord on a low string with a down stroke followed by an upstroke on the higher strings on the off beats. Lots to learn!
Usually the chords are muted quickly after each stroke, to avoid clogging up the musical space at others in the group need.
Generally speaking rhythm guitar work drives the groove while taking up as little sonic space a possible. In some ways it's not so different than positional play in sports like football and hockey.
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