It is physics and has do with 2nd year electrical vector diagrams on resistance inductance and capacitance
The statement is correct resistive is the bottom of the triangle inductive goes up and capacitive down which the total load determines the angle which is the power factor (PF).
The only way to reduce power factor (PF=cos(Pheta)) that is inductive (motors) is to add capacitors or ballast with capacitor in them as it is an additive relationship base on the angle of usage.
This is very complicated but I hope that put it in laymen’s terms.