I think it depends heavily on whether the story frames their dominance as a core identity or a chosen role. In a lot of the fiction I've seen, their physicality often becomes a metaphor for that power dynamic, which can get a bit... literal, honestly. The more interesting ones use it to explore a kind of negotiated intimacy.
For instance, in some of the darker fantasy settings, a futa's life might revolve around codes of honor or territorial control, making relationships feel like political alliances first. Trust becomes a huge commodity. But in contemporary settings, I've read a few where the dominance is almost performative, a shield for vulnerability that only a true partner gets to see past. The power isn't just in the act, but in the consent and the surrender, which feels more complex to me.
The real hook for me is when the narrative lets the submissive partner have equal agency in shaping the dynamic. It's not just about being overpowered, but about choosing to be vulnerable to that specific person. That shift makes the relationship feel earned, not just a given trope.