Maintaining Motivated Lighting on a Shoestring Budget (Sicario-esque Look)

Hey DPs and G&E folks,

I'm Raj, a Focus Puller, and I've been wrestling with a particular challenge on an upcoming indie feature. We're aiming for a very specific, motivated lighting look, think the naturalistic grit and high contrast of 'Sicario', where light sources are always justified. My DP and I both love that aesthetic.

Here’s the rub: our budget is extremely tight. We're talking limited lighting package (maybe a couple of Forza 720Bs, some PavoTube II 30Xs, and a small SkyPanel S60-C if we're lucky) and minimal pre-light days. We'll be shooting primarily on a V-RAPTOR XL.

I'm finding it hard to envision how to achieve that 'motivated' feel, especially when we can't hide big sources or shape complex setups with ease. We've tried using practicals heavily, but it often feels flat or too bright.

How do you maintain a strong visual language, like the 'motivated lighting' in Sicario, when a tight budget limits your access to specialized gear or extensive pre-lighting time? What are your go-to tricks, creative solutions, or changes in approach to pull off that look without the usual arsenal?