Short Circuit Metal Transfer (short arc/dip transfer) has the deepest penetration when pulling/dragging the puddle if you keep the wire at the leading edge of the puddle and not in the puddle. Push will give the flattest bead profile and shallow penetration. Spray transfer works best with the push.

The best penetration is obtained with the electrode being fed at 90 degrees to the work. I prefer 0-10 degrees push as ionized contaminates are forced ahead of the solidifying weld metal and not over/into it.
I've helped out many a frustrated welder that drug his puddle through residual contaminates and ended up grinding out porosity. By simply changing methods alot of problems dissapeared.
Thanks
Randy