It looks like most of your examples use Global Illumination, Indirect Light, and probably HDRI images. A good part of the 'look' is the mimicing of real world light with these techniques. So it looks more like an overcast day than a light setup that produces (multiple) harsh shadows. I think going through the presets, test rendering them, put stuff in them or change settings will give you a feel for the basics. Render times will rise, but all for a more interesting look! If you have the time, it will be a good time, experimenting with this kind of lighting.