The holders began their defence of the trophy by trouncing Thailand on Tuesday, scoring 10 second-half goals on the way to a 13-0 victory, a record for the biggest win at a World Cup.
Criticism of the Americans' celebrations was widespread, with former Canada international Kaylyn Kyle labelling them "disgraceful" in her role as a television analyst.
But Ellis defended her team and her own reactions, citing the example of Carli Lloyd, the 36-year-old veteran star of the 2015 final win over Japan who came off the bench against Thailand to score the last goal.
"That night was about celebrating people. I was most excited on the last goal we scored because that was Carli Lloyd and I know all the history and all the background of that player to get to that moment and what that meant," Ellis said at a press conference in Paris ahead of the USA's second Group F outing against Chile on Sunday.
"The human element is important as well. It might seem a scoreline to you, but it's also years and years of work, and the pride I had in that moment — I didn't know the score, I wasn't celebrating the goal, I was celebrating Carli and I think that's important."
Alex Morgan led the way for the USA in their opening match by scoring five times, a feat only previously achieved in a World Cup game by her compatriot Michelle Akers.
"Goals are hard to come by in our sport and I think the meaning behind those goals, the people behind those goals, you have got to celebrate that," Ellis added.
"You have to seize those moments. I have seen a lot of goals in this tournament and there have been a lot of unique celebrations, exuberant celebrations. That is part of a World Cup."
Another big victory could be in the offing against a Chile side ranked 39th in the world, five places below Thailand.
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