What your calling "Instinct" in this scenario I believe is much akin to saying "fight or flight " as a Non decision concept? This is actually using "Failed logic" because Fight or flight is a predetermined decision by you as the way you WILL react in the future. Therefore there is ALWAYS a motive or agenda as you put it, because you CAN'T even take a step without a decision to do so ... Again , you make a decision as a SELFISH endeavor, because it makes YOU feel good!
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice" Freewill By RUSH