Ripe for gentrification - Phoenix Streets

I'm still learning the KS-1 and trying to figure out how to deal with blown-out brights, understanding that the "Bold Monochrome" setting is essentially high-contrast black & white.  Where the lighter areas get brighter and the dark areas darker.

I am considering testing filters (ND, circular polarizer, or red) to see the effect on the setting. I don't mind too much the dark areas, but I would like some more detail in the bright regions of the photo.