Systems and methods for controlling transitions in a lighting system based on a lighting graph. The system includes a light fixture, a controller, and a memory. The controller stores three or more lighting states and associates each with a respective lighting parameter for controlling the light fixture. Multiple input state transition paths and multiple output state transition paths are associated with each lighting state. The controller receives an input signal and determines an output state transition path that indicates a second lighting state of the three or more lighting states. The determination of the transition path is based on a condition or is unconditional. A light control signal is transmitted to the light fixture based on the respective lighting parameter associated with the second lighting state. A lighting state includes all of the parameters to execute the state, or parameters that define a difference from a prior lighting state.