I think it was Doc Watson who said that style is what is developed to make up for lack of technique. I don't know how much that applies to soul, but my guess is that like a blind person might develop other senses, so goes the technique deprived.

that being said, I think it all depends on how you are trained. Voice lessons are good, but what style of singing are you learning. Classical, folk, rock? all genres have different styles and techniques for singing and a folk singer who gets classical voice lessons may find themselves less apt at folk singing.

Lastly, you may get lost in learning and lose the soul of it all, but that may be a natural progression that revolves around and around. Always seek the soul if that's what you want.