Thanks for your excellent advice regarding variation, Frank.
Variation usually features strongly in my songs, and many of them follow the pattern that you describe. (ie. beginning with a sparse accompaniment and then building in instrumentation). For example, my last song 'Steely Blue' begins with fingerpicking guitar and builds from there.
I initially considered following the same pattern for this song, but ultimately decided to build it in a less pronounced way because I wanted to employ a steady rhythmic arrangement right from the start to reflect the upbeat lyrics.
So to get the build that I wanted, this time I decided to start with percussion in the intro and then build by bringing in the bass at the start of the first verse.
I've recently been looking at the different ways of building a song, and yes I agree that I could easily have followed my usually pattern which is as you suggested, but I do feel that the way I've done it here works admirably for this song.
I'm particularly happy with the build from the verse into the chorus where the electric rhythm guitar is introduced and for me, that is the main strength of the songs accompaniment.
Then after the drop, which I agonised over for days and days before opting to accompany the piano with angelic voices, I also used the same voices in the last chorus, and I think that they help to lift the song to an even greater height.
In short, your advice is appreciated and it's actually how many of my other songs are arranged. However, I'm happy and satisfied with the choices that I made on this particular occasion.

https://linktr.ee/andyshearer