Motive Wave
A motive wave is any pattern that drives price in the direction of the next larger degree trend. It always subdivides into five sub-waves. There are two types: impulse waves and diagonal waves. Impulse waves are the more common and powerful form. Diagonals are wedge-shaped variants that appear at specific positions. The key thing about motive waves is directionality. They push the market forward. Without motive waves, price would just chop sideways forever. When you identify a motive wave, you know the market has chosen a direction and is committed to it. Corrective waves work against motive waves, pulling price back before the next motive wave takes over. Understanding the difference between motive and corrective is the foundation of all Elliott Wave analysis.
In a bull market, the five-wave advance from $100 to $200 is a motive wave at one degree. Waves 1, 3, and 5 within that structure are also motive waves at a smaller degree, each subdividing into their own five-wave patterns. If Wave 5 takes the form of an ending diagonal instead of a standard impulse, it is still a motive wave because it pushes price higher in the direction of the trend. You trade motive waves by looking for corrective pullbacks to end, then entering in the direction of the next motive wave.