Have a look at Beeper, essentially an app which connects to the web version of Whatsapp, unfortunately does not support calls but for chats and group chats should cover everything.
In terms of a light version, it’s unlikely. They’re playing to their biggest markets of India and Europe, where these features are well used (I’ve seen a lot of statuses used for “Good Morning messages”, and business announcing discounts or news.)
I dislike stories, but I have a very small social circle, none of which think waking up or buying a pretty looking cocktail as an achievement worth sharing publicly.