Once that real bass is pumping it will make a nice quality lift.
Find a sound/kit that works great with the chorus first and in the verse try just using real dynamics to pull the listener “in”.
A second snare set up like some “real” drummers use,may be cool,this would give you a stronger or subtle change needed but the kit would still lock it together.
For instance the 2nd snare may be just the same as the first but undampened and the first may just be dampened(SHORTER).
It may be just Dryer verse an roomier chorus for the same kit.Rods might be worthy of a try,if you use brushes just keep em all the way.