Based on an adaptive universe model, this perspective article presents a phenomenological framework that correlates the dark energy equation of state w with the cosmic growth index γ via the linear relation w(a) = −1 + η(γ(a) − 0.55). Recognizing that the coupling between dark energy and structure formation may evolve with cosmic time, the framework is extended to a redshift-dependent formulation: w(z) = −1 + η(z)[γ(z) − 0.55] + Δwbg(z), where η(z) captures the structure-dependent coupling and Δwbg(z) accounts for intrinsic background evolution. Several physically motivated parameterizations of η(z) are proposed, including continuous forms (smooth transition and oscillatory) and a phenomenological piecewise model aligned with distinct phases of structure formation history. Built upon an interacting dark sector model that strictly conserves energy and momentum, the framework maintains the spacetime geometry of General Relativity while naturally addressing both the Hubble tension (via enhanced late-time expansion) and the S8 tension (via suppressed structure growth). A hierarchical Bayesian testing roadmap with Fisher forecasts demonstrates that upcoming surveys (DESI, Euclid, Roman) can decisively detect couplings of magnitude |η| ≳ 0.05 at high significance. The framework yields distinctive, testable predictions—including correlated w(z) and fσ8(z) evolution, a gravitational slip parameter ηslip = 1 that distinguishes it from modified gravity theories, and scale-dependent signatures in the nonlinear regime—providing a comprehensive path to either validate or falsify the hypothesized dark energy–structure growth connection.