If you haven’t seen it, there is a terrific article and podcast from KQED about creativity, music and brain function. While the article talks about melodic instruments like piano, the general concepts are applicable to drums and percussion as well.
In short, creativity is a skill that can be cultivated. This is why in part the students at groove get a more student driven experience than you might find in other studios. This is also why for the more advanced students here, free form improvisation is emphasized.