The present study explored how motivation to gain acceptance and avoid rejection impacts which of their two cultures, mainstream or heritage, South Asian Canadian bicultural individuals (N = 224) will choose to align with when the cultures support conflicting norms. Motivation to gain acceptance and to avoid rejection from each cultural group impacted that choice uniquely. In addition, motivation from one’s heritage group appeared to have a more statistically reliable association with making that choice. The present study also explored how such motivation impacts psychological health. Overall, motivation to avoid rejection was associated with greater ill-being and lower well-being whereas motivation to gain acceptance was associated with greater well-being. The results as they relate to the integration of bicultural youth into broader Canadian society as well as their psychological health, and the unique roles that acceptance and rejection play in motivating group norm adherence are discussed.