If you learn history well~ that is the truth. Cultural influence spread not only through ruling but also through technology advancement. Some are more widespread and some are limited.
How do you think Pakistan become Islamic? The cultural sphere of islamic caliphate dominated the world. in medieval era, spreading from African Maghreb and Andalusia to Maritime Southeast Asia, through conquest and through trade.
The rise of western science and technology replaced the domination of Islamic cultural Influence, and here you're now, everything from clothes, military weapons, government systems, transport, internet, and 99% of what you wear, see, experience, and live are the product of western cultural influence dominance over the world. (Except for certain isolated tribe and region.)