For optimal growth, is maintenance, a lean bulk, or a calorie deficit best?

[eps.psl]

For optimal growth, is maintenance, a lean bulk, or a calorie deficit best?

 

[nathan V]

No not a calorie deficit.

 

[XBVBAnhna]

lean bulk

 

[Excelatory]

If you mention "optimal" it comes down to simply maintaining your caloric intake for BW and increasing it as you gain muscle.
Study:

Effect of Small and Large Energy Surpluses on Strength, Muscle, and Skinfold Thickness in Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Parallel Groups Design - PMC

Many perform resistance training (RT) to increase muscle mass and strength. Energy surpluses are advised to support such gains; however, if too large, could cause unnecessary fat gain. We randomized 21 trained lifters performing RT 3 d/wk for eight ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bracket for short read: "In the present sample, individuals who consumed larger energy surpluses—thereby gaining more body mass—experienced similar increases in strength and triceps and quadriceps muscle size but increased their skinfold thicknesses more compared to those who consumed smaller energy surpluses or maintenance calories."