@Mr_NutterButter
You have to have a hook, and the hook is always surface lavel. No matter if it's a visual or a story element.

BUT: BE FUCKING CAREFUL NOT TO DOUBLE CROSS YOUR AUDIENCE.
I see so many cases of the initial hook being literally dropped 2 episodes in. For example, Star Wars Battlefront 2 promised playing a campaign from the side of the Empire... (You switch sides in 2nd mission)
Or, Have you noticed, that Hazbin Hotel is not exactly about re-education? Please, do not drop your hook too soon. Few people can manage the switch to true concept as fast as they think.