In this hydraulic example, the lever transmits pressure through fluid to the calliper pistons. They bring the pads to the rotor. After contact, extra lever force increases the clamping force.
In a V-brake, a cable moves the arms and pads toward the rim. These are separate examples: a hydraulic hose is not a cable, and a rotor is not a rim braking surface.
A simplified illustration, not an exact model of your equipment.