"To drive the narrative" means to take control of the story or the way it is told, influencing its direction and shaping people's understanding and perspective of the events or ideas in question. Full definition
The romantic angle is what drives the narrative of the film, but this is first and foremost a character piece that is clearly built around its tremendous leading lady. (rowthree.com)
He just uses them in a way so few others still do, as a means to drive the narrative forward. (moviemezzanine.com)
I believe what you're saying is that one data point alone doesn't drive the narrative and that I agree with. (sbnation.com)