If purple was not always such a popular color in History, it is growing now a days. “Ultra violet” was actually Pantone color of the year for 2018 in a dark indigo shade.
In the past, purple was associated with religion and spirituality. That is probably one of the reason it is catching on today as spirituality is a raising topic. Lilac in particular has this softness and minerality setting the mood for a re-connection with nature and oneself.
Cinema and visual art also often associate purple with futuristic technologies. Even Samsung launched their last design in a dichroic lilac shade. A good demonstration of the evolution of our relationship to technology which can sometimes become close to a cult.