So this is my first reply on this site, but I honestly think your piece looks great!
I wouldn't say its american traditional however - definitely Japanese. But looks like your artist knew what he was doing. I dig the lightning bolts AND the clouds the way that they are.
Out of all my ink, my artist has made some last minute adjustments too that I "rolled with" and I'm glad I did. Mine were basically placement adjustments, but trust your artist if they have any sort of prestige to their name!