HRs , Recruiters & Actual team are always on different tangents
Recruiter: Will call you asking basic details, without knowing anything about the job description and team involved. When you ask any questions, they are always coming back with information, sometimes they don't too
Actual project team: more often than not, in need and if they like you they will communicate very clearly that we want you. When asked about benefits etc general response or always HR will connect.
HR: comes during negotiation time, will not anything about the role, will come with sole purpose of saving some bucks on CTC. More often than not, they will be the reason a candidate withdraws from process, or negotiation doesn't work, even though the actual team might be okay with negotiation.
This is my experience, HR is giving such a vague offer which looks good on paper but on hand it's nothing in terms of growth and pay increase. Same old CTC vs gross salary shenanigans. When negotiating the HR thinks I'm not worth it and asks for proofs of every deduction from current employer. This is such a stark difference from the Actual team who interviewed me and were very good and open.
Don't shoot the messenger. HR is just doing its job. Lowballing is slimy but an accepted cultural norm in the country - everyone wants to bargain.
The budget owners are always the Hiring Manager / his team. HR has no say in this except comment on grade, compa ratios and peer parities.
If you have direct access to the hiring manager, call them and be explicit in your ask of what offer will make you sign. Don't waste your time with HR.