In looking at the gradual vs. sudden paths to awakening, it almost seems that…
In the gradual path, much of the integration comes before awakening, in addition to after.
In the sudden path, the integration comes mainly after awakening, along with a return to the awakening.
Of course, there is not really “integration” before awakening, but more of a mimicking of and preparation for integration.
This is probably a very simplistic view.