For example, I'm sure the average joe doesn't know just how expensive calligraphy pens can be, or how deep the rabbit hole goes on video game speedruns.
To piggyback off this, hobby machining in general. You can buy a small lathe pretty cheap but add some decent tooling and oh you need a very fancy tool you don't have? Hand over more cash. You want to make a part that won't fit in your small beginner lathe? Time to fork out for a bigger more expensive one. Oh a mill would be better for that part? Those kidneys could get a basic mill. Oh you need more fancy tooling for the mill now...