Yes, but that is the case anyway. We do nothing today that Hero of Alexandria didn't already know how to do. Why did it take 2000 years to go from his steam pistons and other machines to railroads?

But once we had the minimum population we got railroads and all its derivative tech, like electricity.

If humanity is made up of small villages of subsistence farmers, you will never be able to afford the investment it takes to grow a supply chain. Now add the anti-tech religion that burns books and smashes laboratories and for most people, technological advancement is not a desireable goal.

Instead of a world striving to harness the lightning you have a world afraid to strike a match because they already burned down the house once. The TMs are seen as the crazy kids who play with fire, (at best.)