Because powerful software can still be created by an individual. As with authors, artists, and composers, that lends itself to the heroic tale, of a lone genius

Because powerful software can still be created by an individual. As with authors, artists, and composers, that lends itself to the heroic tale, of a lone genius toiling in secret to reveal a stunning breakthrough to the world. Physical industries require groups of people, so you don't usually see heroes emerge from them. (BTW I agree with you that "without [hero], [advance] wouldn't have happened" is suspect.)