In the first seasons, working off of GRRM's writing, the seasons literally subverted expectations, just as the books. Then Hollywood had to get involved, because source material didn't exist, yet. At that point, 'subverting expectations' became the meme it is today.
(Nearly) Every action movie seems just so formulaic. Action movie - hero doesn't want to be the hero for (insert dark/dramatic reason 1). Hero soon finds that being the hero is better for the world than not, regardless of personal consequence. World warps around hero to make sure s/he doesn't die. Bonus points for cool car chase, gun fight, or explosion. Nudity that doesn't move the story forward except to show that Hero likes to have sex isn't required, but will add to the box office, because people like boobies and butts.