Except they split the functions so you get just the taste of them without the DLCs, and need to buy them to actually utilize them properly. HoI, Vicky, CK, Stellaris; any of their grand strategy game lines are like this. Sure, there's plenty of DLCs you don't have to buy like that, like the heraldry packs in CKII or other purely cosmetic packs, but trying to argue that CK3's Royal Court, Iberia/Persia Struggle mechanics, Norse culture, etc. locked behind DLC purchases are in the same category as those cosmetic packs would be disingenuous (note: I'm not saying you are, just that trying to argue such would be).