Think of it like launch control in a real car. The more launch control you have, the more the car will limit the throttle when you stomp on the gas so you don't just shred your tires. Same thing with the ESC. Higher punch control will limit the initial punch, so you don't wind up on your back every time you give it the beans. It doesn't limit your top power, just how fast you get there. High punch control is the same as just pulling the trigger a little slower.