'impulsively-directed' is a compound formed from 'impulsive' + 'directed'. 'impulsive' ultimately originates from Latin, specifically the word 'impulsus' (from 'impellere'), where 'im-' meant 'in/into' and 'pellere' meant 'to drive or push'. 'directed' comes from Latin 'directus' (from 'dirigere'), where 'di-/dir-' meant 'apart/against' and 'regere' meant 'to guide or rule.'

'impulsus' (Latin) passed into Late Latin and Old French forms and contributed to Middle English 'impulse' and the adjective 'impulsive'. 'dirigere' (Latin) became Old French 'diriger' and Middle English 'direct', with the past participle 'directed' developing in Modern English; the modern hyphenated compound 'impulsively-directed' is a descriptive formation combining the adverbial form of 'impulsive' with the past participle 'directed'.

Originally the components meant 'to push/drive' (impulsus) and 'to guide/straighten' (dirigere). Over time the combined phrase took a figurative sense meaning 'guided by sudden inner impulses' rather than a literal physical pushing and guiding.