There is no single correct way to mix, but some workflows make complex sessions easier to manage. A top-down approach starts with the overall sound before drilling into individual tracks.
Instead of fixing every channel in isolation, the engineer first considers the mix bus, groups, arrangement, balance, and broad tonal direction. This can speed up decision-making and help the production feel coherent sooner.
The approach is especially useful on large sessions because it encourages context. Every move is judged by how it supports the whole song, not only how it improves a soloed sound.