Stairs, tonal contrast and leading lines
When you first saw this picture you’re attention was likely drawn directly to the figure on the stairs, such is the power of a single point of interest with a large tonal contrast against it’s background. Further information in the picture is conveyed by the lines leading upward to the series of closed doors and by the apparent action of the figure. It’s unlikely that a person standing statically facing the camera would create as cogent an image.