They are unnecessarily complicated for sure.
And their behaviour changes depending on how you have the physical button set up by the rear view mirror.
They also change if camping mode is selected (Although when you drive camping mode is switch off automatically)
So it rather depends what the issue is that you are seeing.
If they are on whilst you are driving and you'd rather that they were not, then it will probably be the button up by the rear view mirror.
If the issue is whilst stationery or camping then it can just be getting your head around how they come on and eventually time out (Just like a long courtesy delay on a normal car interior light) which plunges you into darkness. When that happens and you turn them on manually - you will then have to turn them off manually. And driving the van doesn't reset that.
I tend to pop camping mode on straight away when stationery (or camping) - That turns them all off and the long courtesy delay is overriden (Turning them all off) And then I am in control. But you will have to turn them off manually. If you can't turn them off manually - Try the button by the rear view mirror.
Like I say - needless complicated. There are a few YT vids out there that try to explain. Hopefully it is just a case of getting your head around VW logic, and you can avoid a trip to the dealer.