The storytelling revolves around individual characters' mental breakdowns, abandonment issues, and apocalyptic threats, delivered through intense action and introspection without any insertion of contemporary social justice themes like systemic oppression, identity politics, or critiques of traditional norms. Casting features an all-Japanese voice cast authentic to the setting, with no race-swapping, gender-swapping, or forced diversity.

There are no lectures on DEI, LGBTQ+ representation as a focal point (minor queer coding appears late and incidentally), or normalization of gender fluidity. Creator Hideaki Anno drew from his own depression for raw emotional authenticity, not activism. Reception celebrates its groundbreaking depth and entertainment value, with zero notable backlash accusing it of being 'woke' or prioritizing message over story; any modern discussions are memes joking about hypothetical woke versions, underscoring its ideological neutrality.