Perhaps technology is like Darwinian evolution, most of the time these small incremental adaptations make very little difference. But occasionally an adaption comes along that is so good it enforces extinction of the unadapted, but the battle that ensues in the process is bloody and severe.

Then we have a new species and the script repeats.

You're right, innovation always comes from the have-nots, as the haves already have everything they want and don't need to expend unnecessary energy maintaining their status, or at least, that's what they believe.