Tight Budget Pre-Light Strategy: Hacks for Indie Shorts?

Hey DPs, I'm Rohan Kapoor, and I'm tackling a short film with a truly bare-bones lighting budget. My usual projects involve an ALEXA Mini LF and SkyPanel Xs, so this is a different beast. We simply don't have the funds or time for a full pre-lighting day or extensive gear rentals. I'm trying to figure out how to get the benefits of a pre-light (understanding light spill, diffusion needs, power draws) without the usual resources.

I've done some basic photo pre-vis, mapping out sun paths and bounce points with my phone, and even used a small amaran 150c to test some core looks. But it feels very rudimentary. For those of you who've successfully implemented a 'Lighting Prelight Strategy' on super tight resources, what are your best hacks? How do you prioritize what absolutely needs some form of pre-light attention when you have so little to work with? Any creative solutions or specific approaches would be hugely appreciated.