Shoestring Budget: 'Want' vs. 'Need' Character Arcs Without FX?

Hey fellow filmmakers,

I'm Nina Kowalski, a screenwriter currently wrestling with a short film project that's on a seriously shoestring budget. My challenge is figuring out how to craft compelling character arcs, specifically around the 'want' vs. 'need' dynamic, when I can't rely on elaborate set pieces, fancy locations, or special effects to externalize those internal struggles. We're talking bare bones production here.

I've been trying to lean heavily on dialogue and actor performance, but I'm worried it might feel too 'talky' or not impactful enough. How do you approach showing profound character development on the cheap? Are there any clever guerrilla filmmaking tactics for making those internal shifts visible and earned without breaking the bank? Any advice on leveraging small moments or simple staging to convey big changes would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks in advance for any insights!