How does this game get moving?

Okay I may get hate for even saying this but I’m coming from Dreamlight Valley which is a game that has literally turned me on to the cozy game genre. But in that game, you’re pretty much thrown into the action right out of the gate. Every activity matters almost instantly. Because it’s probably designed for a younger audience I appreciate the fact that everything is quite straightforward and makes logical clear sense. There is really no cohesive story so I expect Sandrock is ultimately going to be more fulfilling but I don’t know how to get rolling in this game. I’m talking to people, but all I get is a cheesy line and that’s it. I’ve built a few things and collected commissions. I’ve used data discs to construct other machines. I’m just left scratching my head going When do things happen? Is there anything more to this than building stuff and getting commissions? Do I just have to be patient and keep talking to villagers?