A semi-discrete dynamic model has been developed for the formation of the spatial structure of wave fields in a medium with cubic nonlinearity. The characteristic features of self-focusing and conical modulation of intense Bessel-Gaussian light beams of different orders have been studied in different stages of their evolution during propagation. It has been shown that as a result of nonlinear refraction, in the far zone wave structures are formed consisting of three spatially separated conical beams. Increasing the cone angle of the wave vectors leads to a decrease in the effect of conical modulation of the radiation, and improves the structural stability of the beam. The considered self-modulation effects can be used for passive limiting of the laser radiation power.Key words: numerical modeling, self-focusing of radiation, medium with cubic nonlinearity, formation of wave beams and diffraction, Bessel-Gaussian light beams, spatial soliton.Introduction. Self-modulation of the amplitude and phase has a substantial effect on the spatial structure of intense wave beams during their propagation in a nonlinear medium. It has been shown that self-focusing of the medium can support the existence of helical light beams with a phase singularity [1]. Formation of such cylindrical beams is associated with conical modulation or emission of converted radiation, which arises due to nonlinear refraction as a direct consequence of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the wave fields described by the nonlinear Schrodinger equation [2]. A sign of conical modulation of the wave front is the characteristic ring structure of the image of the light beams in the far zone after passing through a medium with cubic nonlinearity. The effect of redistribution of the intensity profile of Gaussian beams in the far field due to conical modulation can be used for highspeed optical switching and limiting the power of laser radiation pulses [3], and also for the formation of diffraction-free Bessel beams with a limited aperture [4], having unique properties and important applications. Nonlinear Bessel-Gaussian beams (self-trapping spatial solitons) are a convenient tool for inducing controllable waveguides which can guide another light beam, creating a completely optical circuit [5]. Vortical Bessel-Gaussian beams, containing dark regions with zero field amplitude, are used for trapping particles, and also for exact tracing of a trajectory [6].The dynamic properties of Bessel-Gaussian beams have been studied analytically and numerically by solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equation in a Kerr medium [7]. Owing to the balance between the self-focusing and linear spreading effects, a diffraction-free situation is possible in the sense of preserving the mean-square width of the beam, but there is strong distortion of the steady-state radial profile in the near zone during nonlinear conversion. The intensity distribution of the Bessel-Gaussian beam is also not preserved in the far zone. The results of numerical modeling have shown that conical modula...