Guerrilla Tactics for Character Arcs: Want vs. Need on a Shoestring?

Hey everyone, I'm Marcus Johnson, a working Director/Writer, and I'm currently wrestling with a challenge on my latest short film project. We've got a shoestring budget, I mean, 'found money in the couch' level. I'm trying to craft really compelling character arcs, specifically focusing on the 'want' vs. 'need' dynamic. The problem is, I can't afford elaborate set pieces or fancy special effects to externalize those internal struggles. My current script relies a lot on subtle dialogue and performance, but I'm worried it won't land with the same punch without those bigger visual elements. I've thought about using close-ups more extensively and limiting locations to really hone in on the actors, but I'm still feeling stumped on how to show that internal change and growth effectively on the cheap. Has anyone cracked the code on guerrilla filmmaking tactics for showcasing strong character development when you're super budget-constrained?