The principles and techniques are no other than the ones already invented and tried by previous composers which you and your audience are already familiar with. I guess it does not matter what I think. All these can be limitations, we are not always in control of these. That, we can be in control of. I try to stay away from these extremes, and hopefully suggest, in an non-rhetorical way, with the music, an uplifting sense of inspiration and optimism.
Suggestion is very important here.
In an invitation, there is always more courtesy than by pulling the emotions of the listener to the pigeonhole of the composer. Discovering the order, unveiling the light that already exists here, in our universe, waiting to be discovered. Ambient and related music can be excellent tools for this. Composers may not be creators, but rather discoverers of a new creation. I am actually a fan of good Jazz-Salsa, especially Poncho Sanchez , and will always enjoy the primal feeling of dancing to it, it is joy, and humor.