The article presents the results of a study carried out within the framework of a systematic approach using the "Wu Xing pentagram" symbolic method. The object of the research is the category of "lighting mode". The indicated category as a certain system are used. A diagram showing the life cycle of the "lighting mode" category is proposed. Five main components of the system have been identified based on the sequence of the formation of needs in the creation of a lighting regime in the room: investment, quantitative characteristics, quality characteristics, energy characteristics, maintenance and operating features. The characteristics of lighting installations and space-planning solutions in the main premises of preschool educational organizations are analyzed. The priority components for these premises are energy characteristics. Compliance with quantitative indicators depends on the efficiency of maintenance. The needs of aesthetic and emotional satisfaction are secondary, significant costs are not provided. Thus, it can be judged that in the premises presented, the development of the category of "lighting mode" follows the path of pathological restrictions As a result, a conclusion is made about the mechanism of functioning of the "lighting mode" category in accordance with the relations arising between its elements, namely, the relations of support or restriction. The research results can be used in the future when examining the quality of the light environment and monitoring the lighting conditions in the premises.