The best solution is to go flying with another pilot in IMC and see what they do.
There is a flow for an instrument flight and you need to get your head round it.
Most of the work is done in the planning with alot more escape plans. If I can't do this then I will do that.....
As for the basic service yes you can ask for a traffic, if you get it is another matter, again its a matter of planning what to do if you don't get it.
The first flight in clouds on your tod is a bit of an eye opener, in some ways more stressful than going first solo.