> I also think the idea that Buddhism and Hinduism aren't belief-oriented is itself a Western misconception.
I can't speak for Hinduism, but the "pantheons" you find in some kinds of Buddhism aren't really like a "band of angels, following me". They're more like the author's blue diagrams of the ego; they're a teaching mechanism. There really are very few metaphysical beliefs in most kinds of Buddhism. The only core metaphysical belief shared by Buddhists is that there is no permanent, abiding self. Which is a non-belief.
As far as mythology is concerned, yes, Buddhists tell stories. Mostly these are stories of the Buddha's life and the lives of "the saints". But these are generally treated as mythology, not creed. It's not a spiritual failing to disbelieve.
It's in the context of Buddhism that I came across the word "hypostasy". A follower of a belief-based religion who falls away from faith is called an "apostate". Followers of forms of Buddhism that are radically unbelief-oriented[0] that then fall into faith are called "hypostates". The charming phrase that sticks in my mind is "hypostasizing an absolute".
[0] Specifically, I'm referring to systems based on Prasanghika Madhyamaka.