Yes, you're right. A real low key should be born on the matrix or film directly. And in this sense, the "machine part" is an example of that.
Getting a low key during post-processing, we violate the naturalness of the photo. Strictly speaking, we can talk about an image in a low key.
But we are interested in the post-processing process, and besides, even a photo taken in a low key may require correction. And we need experience and fun communication :)

And your chandelier and this bridge have become more mysterious, a certain mystery has appeared... that's how I perceive the result.