I don't recall FF12 ever making it clear that I was to break away from standard RPG practices. In fact, given its overall design and layout, it seems to enforce the concept that you need to grind excessively, as it greatly resembles a MMORPG.
A game that does a good job of making it clear that you aren't supposed to play normally, on the other hand, is Chrono Cross. It is clearly not a standard RPG right from the moment you get into a battle and discover that you have 3 attack levels and no access to magic until you have attacked. It sets a definite precedent that standard RPG rules do not apply, and as such, you are very unlikely to try to play Chrono Cross like a typical RPG.
Expectations are funny like that. Unless it's impossible to miss, it's human nature to expect things to be just like what they resemble. It's a problem that's plagued game developers for ages, especially the ones who want to mix things up and make a game that sets a new precedent.
Sky Render - Sanity is for the weak.
