> I would want that function to be multiple smaller functions with docstrings and such [...]

I have tried that style in the past, and have reverted to writing longer functions with intermittent comments. I now consider "single caller functions" a smell.

If logic is serial (do A, then B, then C) it's fine to have serial code:

   main() {
     ... A ...

     ... B ...

     ... C ...
   }

The issue with splitting out the intermediate steps into functions is, that the serial flow is broken. Instead of the logic now looks something like

    A(...){ ... }
    C(...){ ... }
    main() { 
       A(...)
       ... B ...
       C(...)
    }

Where B might have been a tiny task, that is not worth splitting out. In effect:

- The ordering of the logic is broken.

- Passing arguments can be a pain, if a lot of pieces are touched.

And what have you gained? Not sure there are many upsides besides debatable aesthetics of avoiding inline code comments.