All my Files are ''NOT'' in iCloud?

I have recently reset my MacBook Pro IOS Monetary 12.6. All my files are supposed to be safe on iCloud (as it constantly ''updates'' to iCloud).

The reason (for the reset)was that my 1TB of storage had 632GB of ''other files''...and I thought this was going to ''clear'' MY MACBOOK HD completely?....after reset the ''other files'' are now 413GB?...still too high ''a chunk'' of my 1TB Hard Drive.

Anyway, when I restarted my MacBook Pro I noticed my iCloud had downloaded (fully) and has now used up only 71GB of my hard drive. I have not restored any of my External Hard Drive, (that I backed up my files to) files thus far.....but when I searched for a file this morning?...and opened my folders under iCloud Drive, there are NO files to view or read or download?....How does this iCloud work?Im quite annoyed, as it should be there immediately?...or am I wrong?

Please help. Thanking You in Advance