As the core engine driving the optimization and quality enhancement of China’s economic structure, the influencing factors and driving mechanisms of the development level of the digital economy have become a focal point for both academia and policymakers. In-depth research into its intrinsic logic holds significant value for enriching relevant theoretical understanding and optimizing regional policy design. This paper adjusts and extends the classic “Technology-Organization-Environment” (TOE) framework to construct an integrated multi-dimensional analytical framework. Using the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method, it conducts a configurational effect study on the development level of the digital economy across China’s provincial-level administrative regions. The main findings include: (1) A single influencing factor is insufficient to independently drive high-level digital economy development, with the innovation development environment, as a core condition, demonstrating strong universality and foundational role. (2) Three typical models driving high-quality digital economy development are identified: dual-core support-driven, multi-factor superposition-dominated and synergistic symbiosis-integrated reflecting differentiated pathways formed by different factor combinations. (3) Under specific circumstances, digital infrastructure and digital governance environments can substitute for each other, achieving “different paths leading to the same destination” in terms of development enhancement through different mechanisms. Further cross-regional case comparisons reveal significant differences in the driving pathways of the digital economy among eastern, central, and western regions, highlighting distinct geographical characteristics and developmental stages. From a configurational perspective, this study uncovers the complex interplay of multiple concurrent factors behind digital economy development, providing theoretical foundations and practical references for local governments to formulate differentiated development strategies tailored to local conditions.