initiator, instigator, proponent, brainchild, spearheaded, mover, linchpin, catalyst, backer, wheel, instrumental, mastermind, rationale, fulcrum, lynchpin, vanguard, impetus, forerunner, supporter, genesis, cog, mooted, defacto, advocator, stalwart, enabler, pillar, forefront, lorry, pioneer, championed, ute, eminence grise, seminal, masterstroke, figurehead, funder, behind, fasttrack, chair, proselytizer, visionary, locomotive, precursor, spanner, articulator, patron, keystone, conceiver, undisputed, opposer, burner, propagator, pusher, godfather, laggard, wagon, shrewdest, tipper truck, luminary, freemason, frontrunner, truck, doyen, implementer, promiser, exponent, motivator, firmly, shaker, smokescreen, supported, premised, cornerstone, wrecker, beneficiary, cleanskin, tractor, catalysed, detractor, facilitator, tow truck, tipper, impediment, motive, orchestrator, bogged, touchstone, unstated, truckie, focal point, latecomer, juggernaut, handbrake, rationalist, contributor, benefactor, de facto, centerpiece, bankrolled, containerization, pacesetter

causal agency, causal agent, cause

first cause, primum mobile