The reason the popcorn ceiling was conceptualized was for acoustics. Ever been in an old house with high ceilings? Reverb. Popcorn was supposed subdue reverb and echo. It does, but only until it gets painted. Then its worthless.
Wasn’t so much for high ceilings, as much as for large span, low ceiling rooms. Remember the 70’s. Seemingly 6’8”-7’ tall ceilings in 20’ x 40’ ranch style living rooms.
I still have a penchant for the funicular.