In many species , yes, they need space to explore, or maybe even socialize.
Ball pythons however are unique in that they love to hide in a dark, secure place 98% of the time.
They DO like to explore, and I think it’s healthy for them to get out and slither around sometimes, but let’s face reality, even when you take them out, what do they do? THEY GO HIDE!!!
Hence, racks are great. Anything else is basically unnecessary as they will hide all day anyway.
There is nothing wrong with a giant bioactive enclosure, but they will mostly just stay in their hides as if they were in a rack.
Now with OTHER reptiles, then this need for enrichment may apply, but I don’t know because I only keep Royals.