Hairspray heavily foregrounds identity issues (race, body positivity) as central plot drivers, sometimes at the expense of narrative subtlety. The characters are often cast to maximize diversity and representation, occasionally leading to caricature rather than complexity. The story feels tailored to deliver specific social messages rather than organic narrative growth, though it maintains some entertainment value.

Traditional values and roles, especially around family structure and gender, are reworked to suit more modern and progressive ideals. Masculinity and traditional norms are portrayed with a wink, if not outright subversion. The film also revisits historical events (1960s Baltimore) through a distinctly modern lens.

Dissenting views on integration or body image are presented mostly through broad stereotypes or cartoonish villains. The film’s moral universe is pretty homogenous, everyone 'good' aligns with modern social causes, while alternatives are mocked or oversimplified.