Pushing it as in certain octanes properly support certain compression ratios.

If I remember my numbers correctly the limit for 98 octane is between 11 and 11.5 to one. I think 100 octane can safely get up to about 12 to one.

If you look around on the internet there has to be some proper information on what the optimum octane requirements are for different compression ratios.

These number will be assuming your A/F ratios are optimised and are for the purpose of making sure your mixture does not spontaneously combust either before or after your ignition system attempts to start a controlled burn of the compressed mixture.