Lamps are a fantastic way to light an interior space. Recessed ceiling lights do not establish hierarchy in the dimensions that humans are most interested in. Getting the lighting source close to eye level is the key to success.
At some level this turns into an accessibility and comfort issue. People with limited vision can take strong advantage of well placed lights. Highlights and shadows are some of the most fundamental elements of human visual perception. Without them our brain needs to work overtime to analyze a given scene.
As a former lighting designer, we would call this “task lighting” and you are completely correct. Generally speaking, task lighting is MUCH more pleasant that simply relying on overhead lights, recessed or otherwise.