What would be a good way to get negatives with higher than normal contrast but still a good tonality?

You'd want to pick a film with a relatively long straight line capable of retaining its curve shape at greater development. Pan F would be the worst choice conceivable. Good choices would include TMax films (both 100 and 400), followed by FP4, followed by Delta 100.

Like for example a D23 with added borax at 1-5% bumps the contrast...Most developers can be tweaked in this regard.