How to grade for cinematic consistency across mixed-camera footage in Resolve?

[Avery55]

I've been working as a video editor for a small production company, and I'm trying to elevate my projects by mastering more advanced color grading techniques in DaVinci Resolve, but I'm struggling to move beyond basic correction and create a consistent, cinematic look that serves the narrative, especially when dealing with footage from multiple cameras shot under mixed lighting conditions. My attempts at building complex node trees often result in a muddy or over-stylized image, and I find it difficult to translate the emotional tone of a scene into specific adjustments to contrast, saturation, and color harmony. For colorists working on narrative or documentary projects, what is your foundational workflow for establishing a grade? How do you approach building a look that remains consistent across various shots and lighting setups, and what are the most common pitfalls you see when editors try to transition into more artistic grading?