If that’s your idea of basic, I look forward to what you’ll do over time. 
I totally agree with starting small with the light switches. You’ll learn a lot in the process, which will make it much easier to add pieces later. Too often (not just in OH), people try to run before they can walk.
Since you haven’t bought anything yet, then I would take the time to research the different options available to you for switches, plugs, and motion sensors (wifi, ZWave, ZigBee, etc.), thinking from a long-term perspective. Personally, I use TP-Link Kasa wifi switches and plugs, because I find them to be reliable and inexpensive. I’ve since added ZWave sensors and door locks.
In my opinion, setting up ZWave the first time is challenging. It’s relatively easy to understand after you set up a couple of devices, but I personally wouldn’t want to learn OH and ZWave at the same time.
In contrast, if you install a wifi light switch and it works with its own app, it’s very likely going to work in OH (so long as there’s a binding). So, you can spend less time trying to get devices to work and more time learning how to use your system. I had my wifi switches and plugs working less than an hour after installing openHABian. It took much longer (and many more forum searches) to get ZWave working properly.
I don’t know anything about ZigBee or other standards, so hopefully some others will chime in.
I also agree with the Astro binding being very useful in rules. But again, I’d start by setting your rules based on time frames, get everything working, and then add Astro.
Here’s a recent discussion about zwave sensors.
One more thing: you don’t have to have any hardware installed to learn about OH. You can set up the system and create virtual items that can be used to test your rules.
Good luck!