At the behest of means because of the request or command of someone. The correct answer is this meaning because the expression is used figuratively, not only by its literal words.

Examples:

• The report was prepared at the behest of the ministry.
• In an HSC essay, At the behest of can express this meaning: because of the request or command of someone.
• When this expression appears in a passage, connect At the behest of with the idea of because of the request or command of someone.