Progressive elements appear in the diverse voice cast (including Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Anthony Anderson, and Daveed Diggs alongside John Cena) and narrative emphasis on defying traditional male expectations of toughness and fighting. Reviews frequently highlight its challenge to 'toxic masculinity' and gender stereotypes, with some interpreting Ferdinand's non-conformity as queer-coded or LGBT+-resonant.

The anti-bullfighting stance draws criticism as manipulative or 'woke fantasy' in Spanish commentary and recent social media. These aspects influence character arcs and subplots around self-acceptance and non-violence but remain secondary to the classic 'be yourself' adventure structure inherited from the book, without explicit identity politics, lectures, or source-material alterations for diversity. No major creator statements frame it as activism, and audience backlash was limited rather than widespread 'go woke go broke' rejection.