If you stand often to pedal, wider handlebar will give you better control and reduce exertion (push and pull) on the arms.
If you don't like wide handlebar, using a very short stem like those used in MTB (32mm length stem) will also reduce steering effort.
On my gravel bike, the frame is 4cm undersized and also using a 32mm stem on a regular, short reach / compact dropbar 42 cm wide. Handlebar drop is 1.5cm, KOPS saddle adjustment. You're probably imagining it's super cramped and probably it is but it's actually very comfortable and light on my arms and steering is light. No problem with knees hitting the handlebar when I'm standing on the pedals.