Abstract: This article is premised on a critique of the view that technological capacities are independent of social hierarchies and are increasingly becoming participatory, allowing the entry of individuals from different levels of social strata. In response to the work Jacques Ellul and Francois Hetman, this paper argues that knowledge of technology, while indeed providing a momentary space for decision-making, does not necessarily restructure social hierarchies. Through case studies presented from the world of Indian documentary filmmaking, this paper puts forth the view that technology operators, despite being technologically advanced, do not break into the filmmaking hierarchical order. This remains true even where technical knowledge rests most with those in the lowest rungs of the filmmaking ladder. Instead, technological knowledge provides the scope for other kinds of relationships to develop, such as those of ‘trusting the technician’ or ‘admiration for the technician’s work’. This admiration is especially acquired through techniques of improvisation that the technological operator becomes proficient in. Furthermore, what continues to define documentary filmmaking hierarchy is conceptualization capacities of the practitioners, which are influenced by a similarity in socio-cultural backgrounds and film school training accessible to only a limited few.