My initial answer to your question about commuter mindset is that I am focused and utilititarian.

I mostly look at the Road surface and maybe about 25-50 feet ahead and at the side, and use right and left rearview eyeglass-mounted mirrors. I have commented about how much more I see on frequent, decade-long commuter routes, when I drive them and look farther afield. In fact, a technique to alleviate boredom on such routine routes is to just raise my head higher and look around. Furthermore, I use commuting as a training opportunity, and I also focus on my riding pace.

I would describe my riding style as utilitarian, but always attuned to safety and courtesy, and even deference to cars and pedestrians. I use the analogy that as an amphibian has properties between fish and reptiles, a cyclist has rights, responsibilities, and privileges between pedestrians and "dinosaurian" vehicles, and I exercise mine responsibly (IMO). For example, I will ride on an unused sidewalk to get around a line of cars, or not entirely stop at an empty intersection.