'idealism-driven' is a compound formed from 'idealism' and the past participle 'driven'. 'idealism' originates from Greek via Latin and French, specifically from Greek 'idea' (meaning 'form' or 'appearance') combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ism'; 'driven' originates from Old English 'drīfan' meaning 'to drive'.

'idealism' developed from Latin/French formations of Greek 'idea' plus the suffix '-ism' to denote a doctrine or belief; 'drive' in Old English 'drīfan' produced past participle forms that evolved into modern English 'driven', and the two elements combined as a productive compound in modern English to mean 'motivated by idealism'.

Initially, 'idealism' referred to the doctrine or practice focused on ideals and 'driven' simply meant 'propelled'; together the compound evolved to mean 'motivated or guided by ideals', a figurative extension rather than a literal physical propulsion.