Aesthetic Over Narrative: Spotting Trends vs. Story in Pre-Pro?

Hey everyone, I've been wrestling with a concept from a prep guide I read a while back, the idea of 'Aesthetic Over Narrative.' It really got me thinking, especially on the indie feature I'm prepping now. We're shooting on an ALEXA Mini with a mix of vintage glass and some newer primes, and the DP and director are exploring some pretty specific looks. I'm all for pushing boundaries visually, but I'm trying to be mindful of this 'aesthetic over narrative' trap.

My question is, what are some of the practical warning signs you've seen in pre-production that indicate a visual choice is being driven more by a current trend or a cool-factor rather than genuinely serving the story? And more importantly, how do you, as part of the camera department, help course-correct those discussions to keep the story front and center? I'm trying to figure out how to offer helpful input without stepping on toes. Thanks in advance for any insights!