Using x-ray absorption and x-ray linear dichroism at the $V{L}_{2,3}$ and O $K$ edges, it is observed that tensile or compressive epitaxial strain change the hierarchy of orbitals within the $t_{2g}$ and $e_g$ manifolds. Data show a remarkable $2p-3d$ hybridization, as well as a strain-induced reordering of the $V3d\left(t_{2g},e_g\right)$ orbitals. The latter is itself accompanied by a consequent change of hybridization that modulates the hybrid ${\pi }^{\ast }$ and ${\sigma }^{\ast }$ orbitals and the carrier population at the metal ions, challenging a rigid band picture.