The NEC is not a design manual. Article 210 sets branch circuit minimum requirements (allowances) but does not, well hardly ever, provide specifics. 210.70 is only about allowing for direct connected luminaires.
Illumination/luminaire requirements are part of the "building code" not the electrical code.
Taken to an extreme; if I install a combination wall switch with a separately wired pilot light which is illuminated when on, haven't I provided a direct connected luminaire for the room? How does this not meet the requirements of 210.70(A)(1) for a bathroom?
