Bare-state population inversion is demonstrated in a two-level system with all dipole matrix elements nonzero. A laser field is resonantly driving the sample, whereas a second weaker and lower frequency coherent field additionally pumps it near resonance with the dynamically Stark-splitted states. Due to the existence of differing permanent dipole moments in the excited and ground bare states, quantum coherences among the involved dressed states are induced, leading to inversion in the steady state. Furthermore, large refractive indices are feasible, as well as the determination of the diagonal matrix elements via the absorption or emission spectra. The results apply to available biomolecular, spin, or asymmetric quantum dot systems.