Yes, Western RPGs have there roots firmly in Table Top Gaming (D&D, Exalted, etc). Which makes sense because that is a Western derived concept. By my understanding in Europe adult board games are more popular (Axis and Allie, Risk, Those tons of Strategy Games that I've seen but never play that I'm sure KDR could fill me in on.) I'm trying to think of a Europe derived set of RPGs... My mind is blanking for some reason.
Suffice it to say that playing a role is a very cultural thing still. Some of us prefer the growing mighty in a more linear experience (Myself being one of them but, I expect my RPGs to be more diamond shaped.) Other of us love the Sandbox that will just let us be.