Can only modify items inside same container

I’m either just noticing this or something changed.

If I have a button that calls a modal it only works when it’s inside the same element as the modal.

If I have a form, and a button that changes some values on the form, the button only works when it’s inside the same elements as the form.

I can’t change values on my form or call a modal from anything outside of those elements.

Is this new? Has it always been like this?

I have a notice (a paragraph in a row) on the top of a page for a user. It shows up if the user forgot to finish filling out a form.

I want them to click on it, and it pops open a modal giving them a list of possible things they could fill the form with.

But, if I put the modal inside the form, then the notice on the top of the page can’t call it!
But, if the modal is outside the form, then the modal can’t fill the form with the correct information when the user selects it.

edit: the same is holding true for variable values as well