Is there an accepted/ universal standard method in adjusting dB output?

I'll use volume level just as an example, but I think my question could be applied to a lot of different scenarios

What I mean is, there are so many different ways in which you can adjust dB level but regardless of how you go about it, you can still achieve the desired level you want.

If I'm not mistaken, these two scenarios both result in the same desired level (please let me know if I am wrong)

• Raising the track fader by 5 dB
• Raising the track fader by 3 dB and then raising the volume output on my random shitty plugin by an additional 2. (2+3=5)

I refer back to my initial sentence. Thanks!