Nail on the head right there. Starting with RWS is definitely the path of least resistance since most books and online resources reference it, but it can feel a bit limiting if you’re drawn to the older traditions, so if you wanted the next most traditional deck with maybe a little more depth:
For Marseille, you’re looking at unillustrated pips - just patterns of cups, swords, batons, and coins. No scenic imagery to guide you. Some find this freeing because you’re working purely with numerology and suit meanings. The CBD Tarot de Marseille is a solid reproduction of the 1760 Conver deck, or if you want something special, check out the Jean Noblet from Artisan Tarot.
I would say maybe not the most beginner-friendly choice here.
The Visconti-Sforza is gorgeous but tricky for actual readings since it predates the standardized 78-card structure. Some cards are missing from surviving decks, and the symbolism is very specific to 15th-century Italian nobility. U.S. Games has a decent reproduction with reconstructed missing cards, though purists debate the replacement artwork.
If you want traditional but with more esoteric depth, consider Thoth. Yes, Crowley is controversial, but the symbolism is incredibly rich - every card is packed with astrological, kabbalistic, and alchemical references. The pip cards have titles too (like “Dominion” for the Two of Wands), which helps with interpretation.
If you just want my advice, then get a basic RWS for cross-referencing, since that’s what everyone talks about and you’ll never not have a use for it. Then grab whichever historical deck actually excites you. The symbols will speak differently to different people.