Onward mostly prioritizes story and character over identity politics. However, its much-publicized inclusion of a minor LGBTQ character, who is notable mainly for her identity, does feel a bit forced, as it added little to the plot. The main brotherly adventure remains the film's real focus, so overall narrative integrity is largely preserved, with only minor ideological interruptions.

The film uplifts family values, particularly brotherhood and fatherhood, which is a welcome change from current trends. No significant attacks on religion or tradition. Gender roles remain fairly traditional; both leads are male and their journey is rooted in classic, if fanciful, family structure. There’s little here that radically undercuts traditional cultural values, refreshing, for once.

While the film does include a token LGBTQ character and nods to modern inclusivity, it isn't front-and-center and there's no heavy-handed villainization of traditional perspectives. However, it does adopt Disney's typical surface-level diversity signaling, and alternative worldviews aren't really explored. It's mostly a safe, if slightly modernized, fantasy romp.