Agree with Sue,

Staircase should be illuminated at the top or bottom which is more than enough...Like she said if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, you can light it up any which way you can, I have seen illuminated risers, or like the image she provided or enough of recessed lighting to give you a sun tan by the time you reach the last step.

We have a sconce at the top (on the wall as soon as you open the door) and a canned light at the bottom.

I'd do a cool semi flush mount that's adjustable for sloped ceiling

semi flush would be a head knocker here, or at least make you feel that way, wall sconces would have to be supper flush to the wall to avoid banging those or again feeling like you will. 2 recessed cans.

why would a semi flush be a head knocker? You can have a semi flush that's only 3" high. or you can have one that hangs down at 12". Just depends on what style you pick. (and , we really don't know what the clearance is here)