I don't think it's "culture war" per se, but I do think RTD is using the show as a vehicle for his views rather than putting story-telling first. Some of it is laughably ham-fisted. When done right, as I think it has done in the past, then it can be great TV. When done badly, it's just poor writing.
I'm a couple of weeks behind, so may have seen spoilers anyway at some point, but to put THAT headline on the BBC website immediately after the show airs? Come on.
The thing is Gatwa was almost too big and actor for the role as soon as he got it, so it's not a suprise really.