I don't get what you mean that there's an emphasis on such comments, since they, as I guess it's the case with Hotel Dusk, only pop up when you tap on insignificant objects, ones that are not important for progress. Of course, you might not know what those might be.
Interaction of the player character, not just observation, might be a better alternative, like turning the light on/off. It would probably create more a sense of exploration. In the ideal case both should be possible, examining and interacting.
But don't forget, in third person adventures you control intelligent beings with a conscience of their own, so they're not willing to do everything you say. Sometimes adventures use this too often as an artificial excuse why you can't do certain actions. Your character doesn't want to do it, no arguing.
