The emotional argument of your theme is between the message issue and the counterpoint.  But the question arises, "How does the audience know which is the message issue and which is the counterpoint?"

Simply put, the message issue it the human quality being directly explored in your story.  The counterpoint provides contrast to the message issue.  In a practical sense, the message issue must appear forefront, and the counterpoint paints the background.  This is accomplished solely through your storytelling approach.

The message issue is identified by being shown in sharp, definitive illustrations.  The counterpoint becomes the background contrast by employing illustrations that are more generalized or nebulous.

For example, in "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge's lack of generosity is shown in defined moments of specific choices, dialogs, and actions.  But the generosity of the counterpoint is illustrated nebulously through the prevailing good cheer and group activities of the other characters and the populace of London in general - the Christmas Spirit, as it were.