I think you just lack creativity. you don't have to look at it so literally.
i will spoil the plot for my game as an example as i will likely not have enough time to finish it anyways (i joined in late).
My game is about a carpenter who goes out to find an old tree and make it into something new and young (this is also the main mechanic, take something old, make something new as a tool). In a way i guess you could think of it as rewinding time, but it is much more abstract then that.
the theme doesn't restrict creativity, it restricts us to an idea and helps our projects stay grounded and lowly scoped. But that idea can grow to anything with enough imagination. This is something we should strive for in all of our projects. all games need to restrict themselves to some extent, because as i said, it keeps them grounded and the scope to something manageable.