You might be interested in the game Majesty. In that game you have no direct control over any units. You simply set overall objectives. And the units themselves determine when they do something. It's even more hands-off than the other automation games.
The hero is not doing what you want is exactly the point! You just provided incentives you don't have direct control. So it's definitely more hands-off gaming.
Majesty 2 is pretty good. Still not up to modern user interface standards but it's got good gameplay still