Muscle hypertrophy is driven by mechanical tension, which can be induced through either high-force/low-repetition or moderate-force/high-repetition resistance exercise protocols when sets are performed to near muscular failure.

Study: Effects of velocity loss with blood flow restriction in full squat on strength gains, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy

This study found that lifting moderate weights until you can't do another rep makes your muscles grow, even if you're not lifting super heavy weights. So yes, you can build muscle with either heavy lifts or lighter lifts—as long as you push yourself to the limit.

Study: Comparison of low load blood flow restriction and high load resistance training of the finger flexors in advanced level climbers: a pilot study

This study found that climbers who lifted heavy weights for few reps and those who lifted light weights with a tight band around their arms both got stronger and their arms grew bigger—proving you don’t need to lift super heavy to build muscle, as long as you push yourself to near exhaustion.

Study: Velocity Specific Adaptations to Three Widely Used Strength Training Methods: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Whether you lift heavy weights for few reps or lighter weights for more reps—as long as you push until you're really tired—you can grow your muscles. This study showed both ways worked well.

Study: Similar improvements in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity after moderate (10-RM) and high repetition (20-RM) resistance training.

This study found that lifting heavy weights for fewer reps and lifting lighter weights for more reps both made muscles bigger, as long as people pushed themselves until they couldn’t do another rep. So, you don’t need to lift super heavy to grow muscles — just work hard.