Players are free to create and follow their own challenge rules, and many community members already do so.
Examples include No-Sex Run, Streaming-Only Run, No-Stock-Market Run, Work-Only Run, Fishing-Only Run, and more.
At this time, the developers have no plans to add an official “Challenge Mode” or “Hardcore Mode.”
The main reason is that the community already engages in self-imposed challenge runs, and this approach offers players full flexibility.
If you ask the developers or the moderation team on Discord, you will likely receive the same answer.
Regarding the in-game economy:
The team is currently working on balancing money-making methods, as income has been too easy, especially with the Stock Market still being OP even after recent nerfs.
Future updates aim to make progression more balanced and encourage players to focus more on Contracts through Streaming, rather than relying almost entirely on the Stock Market.