DPs/Gaffers: How do you integrate pre-lighting into your workflow?

Hey everyone,

As a camera op, I’m always looking to refine my understanding of the lighting prep process. Lately, I've been thinking about pre-lighting and how DPs and gaffers approach it. From my perspective on set, sometimes we pre-light, sometimes we don't, and I'm curious about the 'why' behind those decisions.

For those of you leading the charge on lighting, how do you personally integrate pre-lighting into your standard workflow? Is it something you always advocate for, regardless of the project? Or are there specific types of shoots where you find it absolutely critical? I'm talking anything from indie narratives shot on a KOMODO-X to larger commercials on an ALEXA Mini, where you might be using M18s and Orbite. I've found it super helpful on complex setups, but wonder if I'm missing opportunities on simpler ones.

What are your thoughts and experiences?