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Implement a clear configuration resolution chain that follows a consistent precedence pattern: explicit parameters first, then environment variables, then default values. This ensures predictable behavior and proper respect for user-provided settings at different levels.

When a parameter can be configured through multiple means (function parameters, environment variables, config files), default it to None in function signatures and explicitly handle the resolution sequence in your code:

def process_data(engine=None):
    # Check explicit parameter first
    if engine is None:
        # Then check environment variable
        engine = get_engine_from_environment()
        if engine is None:
            # Finally use the default value
            engine = "cpu"

This approach offers several benefits:

• Users can understand and predict which configuration source takes precedence
• Function calls without explicit parameters will respect environment configurations
• You can track the source of a configuration setting for better error messages
• The code clearly documents the fallback behavior
• It becomes easier to add new configuration sources without breaking existing code

When documenting these parameters, clearly communicate the precedence chain so users understand how their configurations will be applied.