Welcome to the Centrify Express for Mac community.
Yes, you're absolutely right, we are a replacement for the Directory utility.
If you want to find out the status of your connection with AD, use the adinfo command.
adinfo --diag will show you everything you need to know plus more.
Also, you have a system preference and can download a widget as well.
Docs: https://docs.centrify.com/en/css/suite2016/centrify-mac-adminguide.pdf
Enjoy!
R.P