Which term describes powering up the boat while sailing close-hauled in big waves or light wind?

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Powering up in those conditions means getting more forward drive from the sails to keep the boat moving when the wind is light or the waves are tall. The term footing captures this idea: it’s about the boat finding and maintaining that forward grip in the water so you can push through the chop or through a light wind and stay on course while sailing close-hauled. In big waves you need enough bite from the sails to drive the hull forward and not be knocked back or stalled, and in light wind you must generate as much drive as possible from trim and sail shape to keep momentum.

Wind lulls would mean less wind to power you, not more. Drag is the resistance you have to overcome, not the action of gaining drive. Sculling is a different technique used to move with limited wind, not the general idea of powering up on a close-hauled course.