For me, I have known Python since the 90s but only started using it as a daily driver a few years ago because there were big Microsoft and C/Java groups within my org and choosing one would alienate the other. So I used Python because it was good enough and non-threatening (and free and tons of libraries and healthy community, etc). I would have chosen javascript if there were as many packages. Also considered R, but hadn’t used it at the time.

I think Python is a good example of how being good enough is better than being awesome. And then it builds inertia through use and packages and friend of a friend recommendations.