What buddhist topics cover the arise of meaning?
You might want to look at The 5 Aggregates, namely the aggregate(s) of Perception, Mental Formations and Consciousness.

Especially the forth aggregate of mental formations relates to what you are describing, since it contains volition (cetana). See also SN 12.38: Cetana Sutta.

The Abhidhamma goes into further detail on the topic of Citta &amp; Cetasikas.
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi has written an execellent summary called "The Abhidhammattha Sangaha - A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma".