The branches section establishes the relationship between the component Through variable and the component nodes (and therefore the domain Through variable). Considering a resistor, the i : p.i -> n.i statement indicates that the current through the resistor flows from node p to node n. For each Through variable, the sum of all its values flowing into a branch point equals the sum of all its values flowing out.
In Simscape power flow in either direction unless there is a mechanism to prevent this. The way we define the branch will dictate the sign convention.