Why can't passive components transform energy from one form to another
"What is the factor that gives active components the ability to control the direction of flow of current in a circuit."

AFAIK what sets active components apart is that they can control the amount of current that flows.

The mechanisms that are used vary. Relays use a magnetic field to close a switch. An ancient precursor of the thyristor used inonized mercury. Vacuum tubes rely on the repulsion of free electrons by the electrons in the grid. (FETS use a similar mechanism.) Junction transistors use yet another mechanism, etc.

"Why can't passive components transform energy from one form to another"

If I understand that question correctly you wnat to know which common physical factor or mechanism is shared by the active components that differentiates them from the passive componnents? There is none. A components is active because it can use a small current to manipulate a larger current, that is the definition of active.