Machine learning models are powerful artificial intelligence tools that can make determinations based on a variety of factors. Unlike a simple linear model, however, determining the contribution of each variable to the outcome of a machine learning model is a challenging task. It may be unclear which factors contributed heavily toward a particular outcome of the machine learning model and which factors did not have a major effect on the outcome. Being able to accurately determine the underlying causative factors for a machine learning-based decision, however, can be important in several contexts. The present disclosure describes techniques that allow for training and use of non-linear machine learning models, while also preserving causal information for outputs of the models. Relative weight calculations for machine learning model variables can be used to accomplish this, in various embodiments.