White is white, you can't have more than white. The RVB values are 255, 255, 255.
255 plus 0, it does 256 colors maximum in Black and white.
Only a gray color can become a white one, with brightness or gamma correction.
The secret of the white color : the same than the secret to view a good moovie :
White is whiter when the surroundings are darker.
But it cames from the masters of chiaroscuro, such as Caravaggio.
but there are several parts in my answer, especially for the gray colors, and all parts are interrelated.
Anyway, the best method to integrate a knowledge is to practise and exercise.