Ricki and the Flash is largely character-driven, focusing on a flawed protagonist and genuine family dynamics. While it does feature a female lead in a rock band, it avoids heavy-handed identity politics or sacrificing story for ideological messaging. The film keeps character motivations rooted in personal struggles rather than in modern virtue signaling.

The film wrestles with themes of responsibility, family, and reconciliation. While it explores unconventional family structures and personal failures, it does not aggressively undermine traditional values, instead, it presents them as complex and worthy of redemption. Masculinity, femininity, and generational perspectives are treated with relative respect.

Alternative viewpoints are acknowledged through various supporting characters. There's little overt demonization or caricature of traditional or dissenting worldviews. The film allows for debate and personal growth rather than imposing ideological uniformity.