You say that but narrative is the only way to drive the theme. The theme is nothing without the narrative, it doesn't exist. And part of judging a story is matching how well the narrative displays the theme.
Namely the theme is always present, always seen, or the narrative is just empty calories.
What does Ooga Booga have to do with themes?
That's a screen cap from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. A show that didn't force it's themes into the spot light.
What is the theme of Buffy?
Exactly. You do not know, because you do not need to know them. As this is an author's tool, and not a narrative device.
You say that but narrative is the only way to drive the theme. The theme is nothing without the narrative, it doesn't exist. And part of judging a story is matching how well the narrative displays the theme.
Namely the theme is always present, always seen, or the narrative is just empty calories.