I second the suggestion of just letting the plant grow to a decent size, expecially for building a thick trunk first. I also advise against defoliation.
Here is my experience, for what it's worth.
First picture, a small cutting probably 2-3yr old at that stage, at beginning of summer 2020. Over the course of one year I maniacally exposed it to direct sun, shuffling it from one balcony to the other as the sun was turning, expecially in the autumn and spring to maximize the short days (I'm living in the Paris region). Even in winter I would put it on the balcony outside if more than 4-5°C. I got like this 6 internodes in one year. No attempt to style whatsoever, with the exception of removal of four side shoots from rings at ground level.
Second picture, beginning of summer 2021. Very top-heavy but symmetrical crown. From the base to the top I followed the up-pointing branches at each fork, deciding which would be the leader. All secondary have then be cut to first internode, one branch from a 3-fork cut flat (always the rule of two, for aestetics).
For the following year I let everything grow back, but this time I systematically intervened with sticks and pads (never wires) to
* get the young new branches horizontal-ish against tendency to point up
* direct forks so that there is a 60° angle between secondary branches, and towards voids I want to fill in the future development (and conversely letting a clear view of the main stem from future "front")
Fourth picture from beginning of summer 2022, after third and final repotting in a large flat terracotta container. The overlay represents a sketch of the intended structure (informal weaving trunk with layered branch stages).
Notice that the lower branches under the first planned level are sacrificial, they will be removed at some point in winter, for now they help thickening the base of the trunk (presently 4 cm in base diameter, for 32 cm in height). I will severe thise branches flat when they reach ~10mm in diameter max, in order for the scars not to be too obtrusive.
I am not removing any leaf, the older ones tend to fall naturally after a couple of years. Think long term, avoid stressing the plant.
Last picture is from ten days ago. I reckon that next winter I will also repot my crassula with a 10° tilt, the trunk ended up a bit slanted for the intended final direction.
Hoping that this gives you ideas.