@invertebratist wrote a bunch of great suggestions I would push back on this, I don’t think it’s so cut and dry. I want to emphasize that there are a broad range of use cases and opinions here. No one way is the “correct” way. I started out with a Canon DSLR and a decades-old old manual focus Nikon 1:2 macro lens, with no flash, and got some nice shots. I still mostly shoot macro (with a newer AF lens) and rarely carry a flash and diffuser unless I’m going out at night.
I also find focus stacking annoying and it doesn’t suit my personality, even though it can be great.
Using a flash and diffuser will get you the best quality and depth of field, but in my expderience they’re a pain in the butt if you’re doing real hiking, and they’re slower to use if you really want to document a lot of things, or photograph things that only stick around for brief moments, at least in my experience The main thing is that you find whatever process you use enjoyable, there will always be trade-offs. I personally would rather have my camera lighter, smaller, ready to go quickly, and be less likely to scare away bugs with my diffuser.