I think it's a bit of both like you said. I deeply believe the money behind everything is what pushes people to give their primary attention. It's the reason why Steemit and not another platform, or why Blockchain and not something else. Cause this will pay out, whereas the others won't.

But when it comes to intention, passion, interests. That's what fuels the place up. If it was just about the money, it wouldn't be going anywhere. Or maybe it would, but would only be an investing place. But the platform it is today, where you can find anyone with similar or completely different interests, and learn from them, and get them to learn from you. The interaction is mainly based on content, and the money is just a bonus. Like a glue that sticks everything together.

But hey, that's just my humble opinion so :)