I know it'd be a true pain on Xylax and any other artists, but bear with me here.

Alpha Layer.
You take a CG sunburst or even a drawn sun(optional)
You add shading accordingly.
You apply this to a random frequency, like most other lion(ess) traits.
All lions have an extremely unique look, even relatively so.

Now, I do know it'd have to be done several times over for each gender and age range, BUT, I think it would be quite the opposite of pyrrhic.

I also realize how easy it would be, when compared to the means justifying the end, and vice-avers.

Another idea to correspond with this one:
Players can purchase a lighting change, which would let them click anywhere on the picture to adjust thge lighting themselves. This could be a static, one click per view thing, or a clik/drag to see live shading options.

Xylax, I think, even though you've got a full plate, this dessert is well-worth considering!