I recall reading an old "Cycle" magazine years before I even had a motorcycle. An article on technique, and pulling was the prescribed action.
The '80s found me on a 700 Interceptor, and hanging my ass off the seat. Pulling on the opposite bar felt natural, and "opened up" the inside for my body to hang off. I also prefer the feel of a light pull with the fingers, as opposed to the push with the palm.
Still, six of one, half dozen of the other.