motive

The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.

“he acted with the best of motives”

A theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music.

A design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration.

Impelling to action.

“motive pleas”

Causing or able to cause motion.

“a motive force”

“motive power”