Question: What was the Protagonist's motivation?

He is just apart of this team that does uber-dangerous work. With a plucky attitude. And he is willing to sacrifice his life for it. What sort of pay-scale would be worth impressing some ambiguous top-level head-honchos by passing a dedication test? Not to mention getting really invested in helping the wife's predicament. Why?
I get that stopping the Antagonist's world-ending plans becomes a clear-enough motivation, sure. But no person goes about such demanding risky work all 'just another day'.

At least in a James Bond movie we get his rebellious tendency to impress for Queen and country and all.