When I need a to write a small web service, I usually just grab a python micro-framework and do the work. Not much complexity and not a lot of setup required. When I need to do something more elaborate that needs structure because it will get extended over time, I will take my time to setup something like Django... but it would be too much unnecessary work do to that for small web services.
The same applies to front-end.
When I need a few quick HTML pages that need some quick DOM manipulation, I usually just grab jQuery and do what we have been doing for years. Whenever I know that something will get extended over time and needs structure, that is when I take the time to setup React/Redux and all the build scripts necessary to make it work.
Just personal preference, but I am sure I am not alone...