Responses
I took it as Hikaru’s dad freed ’Hikaru’ from the shrine and the previous identity of Nounuki-sama but he wasn’t specific enough to affect the wish-granting. That’s why ‘Hikaru’ was able to roam around and take on a new body but still felt the need to fulfill Hikaru’s dying wish. Like ‘Hikaru’s’ sense of self was gone but the compulsions remained.
So "Hikaru" was set free by real Hikaru's father, only to forget it didn't have to grant wishes anymore? But it still came down from the mountain? I guess it makes sense that it would respond to wishes if it believed it HAD to, but even against its will?