Conversation so far:
How did Timur begin to attain power?
It was in this period that Timur reduced the Chagatai khans to the position of figureheads while he ruled in their name.
Did Timur accomplish that through battle or subterfuge?
Timur spent the next 35 years in various wars and expeditions.
Did Timur go on to expand his people's lands?
Timur not only consolidated his rule at home by the subjugation of his foes, but sought extension of territory by encroachments upon the lands of foreign potentates.
Are there any other interesting aspects about Timur's rise to power besides reducing the Chagatai khans to figureheads, fighting in various wars and expeditions, and expanding his people's lands?
Timur gained a following of people in Balkh, consisting of merchants, fellow tribesmen, Muslim clergy, aristocracy and agricultural workers, because of his kindness in sharing his belongings with them

Question: What was the result of his popularity in Balkh?
Self-contained rewrite: What was the result of Timur's popularity in Balkh?