When I was doing LST, I would slowly train the main stalk/top down over the course of a couple of days once there were 4-5 nodes on the plant. After doing that, new tops would grow out of each node. Since the main top was bent down they would all grow back at the same heights. Once the new tops reach several nodes you could do it again if you want. I never bothered the fan leaves unless they looked like they were dying. I would prune those off once they yellowed.
i know the stalk doesnt need light but at first when you first get those little nodes starting to grow the and the the plant is kinda busshy so after a couple hours when it is standing up straight again not much light gets to those little nodes.
The stalk getting light isn't what makes new branches grow its the distribution of hormones when you bend the top lower than other parts.... If that makes any sense