'Gladiator' (1992) centers on a classic underdog narrative that doesn't hinge on identity politics. Characters are developed based mainly on their personal journeys and moral choices, rather than being shoehorned into identity-driven roles. The casting and character arcs stay rooted in traditional storytelling, avoiding the modern pitfalls of identity-first narratives.

The film highlights themes of family, honor, and personal responsibility without mocking masculinity or traditional values. While it touches on tough issues like violence and corruption, it doesn't go out of its way to undermine religion, family, or tradition, if anything, these aspects are presented as vital motivators for the protagonist.

There are clear moral challenges, but the film allows for shades of gray. Traditional values aren't villainized, and there is no overt push to lampoon alternative or conservative perspectives. Debate and conflict arise from personal flaws, not modern ideological differences or caricatured villains representing 'the past.'