Charles Manson. Charm/charisma, the right toned message, and those who are looking for something to fill an emptiness in their lives can make for a really bad combo or it can inspire to join the Peace Corp or Marine Corp.
Scientology comes to mind. Islam of course. People searching for something bigger than themselves to believe in. It doesn’t help that the Catholic church as been so corrupted for many decades by the pervs in society. Christianity and a well grounded military can fill those voids. Some people join gangs. Some people join the biggest gang; the Police Department.
Also men looking for multiple women.
Those with the charm to attract them are really the only ones with an incentive to start a cult.