diff --git a/pm3py/hw.py b/pm3py/hw.py
index 374b039..2408bd4 100644
--- a/pm3py/hw.py
+++ b/pm3py/hw.py
@@ -86,8 +86,11 @@ class HWCommands:
         else:
             led_mask = self._parse_led_str(led)
 
-        # Resolve action
-        if brightness >= 0:
+        # Resolve action — explicit False means "off"
+        if on is False and not any([off, toggle, pulse, fade, blink, brightness >= 0]):
+            action_code = 0
+            brightness_val = 0
+        elif brightness >= 0:
             action_code = 3
             brightness_val = min(max(brightness, 0), 100)
         elif off:
@@ -105,7 +108,7 @@ class HWCommands:
         elif blink:
             action_code = 6
             brightness_val = 0
-        elif on or True:  # default to "on"
+        else:  # default to "on"
             action_code = 1
             brightness_val = 0