A system and related methods for operating a lamp. The system and method provide for ON/OFF control such that the light source illuminates in predefined steps and is reduced in predefined steps. Turning ON the light source may include powering the light source in one step from zero light to a first light level that is less than a maximum light level and powering the light source gradually over a first predetermined time period from the first light level to a second light level greater than the first light level. Turning OFF the light source may include powering the light source in one step from a third light level at or below the maximum light level to a fourth light level that is less than the third light level and powering the light source over a second predetermined time period from the fourth light level to zero light.