I tried to use several different light objects to reproduce the surrounding glow from a lightning bolt and I think it can be done. I put a light cone up close to my volumetric clouds and do get a result. I'm thinking to get something satisfactory I'll have to use many lights, which will take far too much time I have tonight to do. But I think it's doable.

In the past I have gone for a glow effect using many lights, mostly cone lights, in and around volumetric clouds. My nuclear explosion in one of my renders in the gallery has what I achieved.

Post the link to the image that has caught your imagination about this. I would love to see it now that you've sparked my curiosity. I tried looking for it today but only went like 5 levels deep in the search before I had to call it quits.