Creators explicitly prioritized expanding the teenagers' social consciousness as the most important adaptation element, employing a diverse writers' room including multiple Indian writers to infuse authenticity and nuance into critiques of the wealthy white Sinclair family's entitlement, snobbery, and racism toward Gat (Indian descent) and Ed. Gat serves as the primary vehicle for these elements, clashing with the Liars over privilege, accusing patriarch Harris of bigotry, referencing texts like 'Caste,' and delivering scenes on the stress of POC experiences in white spaces.

Subplots and dialogue frame family dynamics through systemic oppression and identity lenses, with Cadence's arc involving awakening to these issues. While the core mystery and twist remain intact, the ideological framing drives character conflicts and emotional beats. Audience reactions include complaints of inauthentic 'woke' characters, poorly handled race/privilege themes, and cringe-inducing lectures, with some backlash labeling it as prioritizing messaging.