Dallas Buyers Club, at its core, focuses on a realistic character arc, Ron Woodroof's journey through adversity. While it features a transgender character, their inclusion serves the narrative and is rooted in historic reality rather than forced representation. Character depth and growth are prioritized over simplistic identity politics, maintaining narrative integrity.

The film challenges some traditional values and depicts elements like drug abuse and unconventional relationships, but it stops short of outright villainizing religion, masculinity, or the family unit. At times, traditional authority is questioned, but not in a heavy-handed or broadly dismissive way.

There are moments where establishment figures and traditional attitudes (especially regarding sexuality and AIDS) are rebuked, but the film portrays conflict and growth rather than one-note villainization. While alternative perspectives are critiqued, it avoids painting every non-progressive figure as a caricature.