Very interesting proposition. I have never been all that excited about this idea that "asking the question" will initiate some kind of sudden transition, like a Perry-Mason moment in the courtroom. In fact, I think the opposite is true: to the extent that we fixate on "the question," it loses its power to changed anything.
The idea of the "q" being a "cue," on the other hand, makes eminent sense. Because in the end, what is required is action of some type. Even mental acts are acts, and signify a true change in the situation. Especially if it spurs a transition involving very large numbers of people at the same time.
notable