You can register VoIP and landline numbers as well, and nothing says the number must be yours; you can also add the number of a trusted family member or friend.
You can choose which preregistered number to send a message to (or to be called with a recorded voice) in the event you need access to your account in an emergency.
This also implies you have no other Apple devices which are signed into your account, as they will receive a code by default.
SMS works with password access as 2FA it's part of plan A in recovery.
None of the methods you mention are something that should be expected from normal users. Or they don't work when traveling. I travel a lot.
"There is a way you could set it up" does not mean Apple has a good solution. As I'm a person without family and only one iPhone I stay away. People who don't pay attention are fucked.
You can choose which preregistered number to send a message to (or to be called with a recorded voice) in the event you need access to your account in an emergency.
This also implies you have no other Apple devices which are signed into your account, as they will receive a code by default.
SMS or voice fallback is "plan B".