Pushpa - The Rise focuses squarely on traditional storytelling, centering its rugged protagonist's grit and hard-earned rise. Identity factors like race, gender, or sexuality take a backseat to narrative and character development, with diversity present only as needed for the story world. There’s little evidence of forced representation or the usual modern tropes that sacrifice plot for ideology.

The film leans into traditional themes surrounding family, masculinity, and local culture rather than subverting or mocking them. Pushpa’s arc celebrates masculine perseverance and familial duty. Historic and cultural elements are portrayed in a largely respectful manner, with no significant attempts at cultural revisionism or subverting traditional roles.

There’s a notable absence of overt ideological messaging. The narrative avoids caricaturing traditional values or villainizing alternative perspectives simply for being traditional; instead, characters have authentic conflicts rooted in personal motivation, not ideology. The film confidently embraces local culture without genuflecting to global progressive trends.