Achieving 'Motivated Lighting' on a Budget: Practical Workflow Advice?

Hey everyone,

I'm a documentary filmmaker, and I'm currently prepping for a new project focusing on urban revitalization. I'm really inspired by the visual language of films like 'Sicario,' especially how they use motivated lighting to build atmosphere and narrative. My challenge is recreating that kind of intentional, 'realistic yet heightened' look on a typical doc budget.

We won't have the luxury of extensive pre-rigging or a massive lighting package. My usual kit includes an FX3 and an amaran 150c, maybe a few Helios Tubes if we can swing it. I've tried using practicals and flagging available light, but it often feels more opportunistic than truly motivated, especially for interviews or key moments.

How do you approach maintaining a strong visual language, particularly with purposeful lighting, when time and specialized gear are limited? Are there specific workflows or techniques you've found effective to achieve that 'motivated' feel without needing a truck full of ARRI SkyPanels?