The difference is slight. In all cases, "typical" means "characteristic". In most cases, you can use either word but it you want to be finicky, here are some examples to help you. "The hospitality you just experienced in their home is typical of the treatment you receive when you have dinner with the Jones family." (Notice that "hospitality" is a type of treatment.) "The hospitality you just experienced in their home is typical for the Jones family." (Notice that "hospitality" is not a type of Jones family) "The hospitality you just experienced in their home is typical for the South." (Notice that "hospitality" is not a type of South.) "The meal is typical of local cooking." ("The meal" is an example of cooking.) "The weather at the moment is typical for July." ("The weather" is not an example of July. ) "The weather at the moment is typical of conditions here in July." ("The weather" is an example of conditions) For the sentence "It's typical (FOR or OF) Lia to be late", it really makes no difference. The pronoun IT could represent her lateness or her personality so it is impossible to decide which word is best.