The core premise, characters like Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela and Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela, and themes of drug trafficking and law enforcement remain traditional crime drama grounded in 1990s historical events, with no activist framing of systemic issues or critiques of traditional norms. Casting features predominantly Latino actors in roles matching the Colombian setting, including Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña, with no race- or gender-swapping of established figures.

The sole progressive element is the inclusion of Hélmer 'Pacho' Herrera, a real historical Cali Cartel member depicted as homosexual with a backstory involving family rejection and cartel acceptance; this appears in subplots such as meetings and personal decisions but does not drive the season's narrative or emotional core. Reception shows no widespread 'woke' backlash or creator statements emphasizing inclusion mandates, though one contemporary piece highlighted the portrayal positively as LGBTQ representation.