How does the setting of There Will Come Soft Rains relate to the central idea?

This story was written at a time (1950s) when the threat of nuclear war was becoming more and more plausible. This story describes a time in the future when humans have destroyed themselves in a nuclear war. Bradbury supposes that by 2026, humans will have supremely advanced technology. With that technology, we will be able to create a fully functional, automated house. The house in the story functions as a maid, electrician, garbage disposal, entertainment...

This story was written at a time (1950s) when the threat of nuclear war was becoming more and more plausible. This story describes a time in the future when humans have destroyed themselves in a nuclear war. Bradbury supposes that by 2026, humans will have supremely advanced technology. With that technology, we will be able to create a fully functional, automated house. The house in the story functions as a maid, electrician, garbage disposal, entertainment center, daily reminder, etc. Nuclear technology will also be advanced. The irony is that instead of improving life, that technology has led to the nuclear weapons that has wiped out the human race. 

The significance of the setting is that it is not that far into the future. From the time the story was published (1950), it would have been just 76 years until the end of human civilization. While there are pros and cons to technological advances, Bradbury's story is a warning about the dangers involved in that technological development.