I think its restraint.
Some architects may look for the most extreme when walking a site, but I think trying to incorporate the most extreme part often leads to a poor routing. I find the “photo” hole has usually cost the routing three or fours crappy holes to incorporate. When I think of my favourites, I’m amazed how often they don’t go to the most dramatic spot on the property and stay down below where there is far better terrain to play over.
It continues on to features. I find a lot of courses have way too many bunkers, shapes, features….just too much to ever be called elegant. Everything is so in your face.