I was thinking that each block could something radiating out or something going in, and this depends on their neighbouring blocks. As a proof of concept, image each block is a magnetic North (N) or magnetic South (S) pole. And imagine you are drawing the magnetic field lines. If N-S are together there will be lines joining them, and if N-N or S-S are together the lines will seem to push each other away.
Something more interesting would to use these field lines as a sort of coordinate system for your visuals, then you can put in anything , though I cant guarantee how easy that would be to compute.
I like your idea of giving each cube a defined personality, and then you can expand on the binary system i suggested.