From my experience what you are describing is other percussion that sits in between the kicks, and the compression thereof.
If you get the proper perc going with the right compressor settings, it will mash it all together

I know that's sorta vague but thats sorta how I figured it out... gotta get the compressor to attack and release at the right settings to make it pump. Merge all your percussion into one bus or track or whatever and compress it all seperately from everything else, including the kick, bass, synths, whatever.

Sometimes, yes, what you are probably hearing is an off beat kicky type drum or reversed kick... but its usually pretty noticeable and not so 'wishy'.

Compression is veeeeeeeeeeeeery important in achieving that "techno" sound.
I'm still experimenting myself :)

Hope that helps.