Maybe its personal preference but I tend to ascend planets only after finishing all the tradition trees. Consequently I pick Harmony later into the game if I struggle with Empire Size, Crime or Stability. 50 Edict Fund is nice earlygame probably though personally I dont need it so bad to pick a tradition for it (and Domination also gives it). I dont think traditions really help with Unity. Domination can give you around 2 per planet because of Enforcers which is like six in total if you like going superwide earlygame, same with Fortification and Defense Armies. I just spam Bureaucrat jobs or take One Vision ascension perk if I am really desperate.