I think you're mistaking work for being puzzle-solving.

Work is always about people. If it's not about people, it's probably research, which is different from work.

Someone needs to solve the technical puzzles, software engineers are people who can do that, being good at managing things is a plus but it isn't what defines the role. There are plenty of roles at companies for people who can manage everything else but not technical things, like product manager or people manager.

Work is a function of people and problem solving. A balance between the two provides an effective and productive environment for producing good work. I wouldn't praise or idolize the notion that work is always about people.