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Tipping prior to service is usually a bid for priority in the work queue.

I wouldn't be sad if that were true, but I've never seen it.

Like tipping the hostess to get a table faster? That works?

I don’t know how realistic it is, but it is a common tv/movie show trope to slip the host/hostess some cash to get seated quicker or a better seat.

Whenever I've asked for a different seat at a restaurant, I've been granted it no questions asked and no tip given.

Paying to skip ahead in a line sounds more like a bribe than a tip, is this isn't some kind of advertised service.

Tipping your ubereats/etc driver so they actually want to pick up your order from the queue and not eat half your fries, I'm guessing.