First-Time DP Pitfalls: Emotional Overload vs. Unquantifiable Rules?

Hey everyone, Derek here. I've been pulling focus for years on everything from ALEXA 35s to VENICE 2s, but lately, I've had a few opportunities to step into the DP role on some shorts and corporate gigs with a Komodo and a set of Titans. I'm trying to develop my own approach to lighting and camera work that's deeply connected to the story's emotional core, not just for aesthetics.

My question for the seasoned DPs out there is this: when crafting a visual language for a project for the first time, what's the more insidious pitfall? Is it overloading the emotional spine with too many visual metaphors or attempting to adhere to a set of overly vague, unquantifiable manifesto-style rules? I'm worried about getting too abstract with 'this shot means loss' versus something like 'only use hard light for moments of confrontation.' What's been your experience?