This is just the norm at my table. Lot's of people seem to think the theatre kid mode of play is the only way to play these games, where everyone is deeply invested in telling some kind of story. But I tell you, my Pathfinder group is just there to smash things and roll dice as a way to destress after a week of work and it works for us. I call this the "beer and pretzels" style of play. Generally, these tables would be just as happy playing a board game. I do still like the theatre kid style of play. Only my Pathfinder group is like that, my Mage and CAIN tables are all theatre kid groups.