The brightness of a light bulb is influenced by both current and voltage, with power being the key measure of brightness. While more current and less resistance generally lead to increased brightness, the configuration of the circuit plays a crucial role. In an ideal scenario where an incandescent bulb is 100% efficient, all power would convert to visible light, but in reality, much energy is lost as heat. Brightness can be quantified by the formula I^2R, indicating that reducing resistance while increasing current enhances brightness. Ultimately, the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance determines the overall brightness of the bulb.