I also have a VPN set up to my home network that I can connect to with my mobile devices. once connected I use the HA mobile app pathed to my local HA server IP. I don’t use HA cloud or any other cloud service. It works well for me, I obviously can’t get notification on the mobile when not connected but I have not had a need yet. If/When I’m do want notifications I would most likely explore, e-mail, e-mail to SMS, SMS API or something that won’t involve external servers. I would not want to send sensitive info via SMS but a shot alert that said there is something to look at like “HA Alert: Motion detected cam 1” or such would be fine.
Update: Got this working without any cloud services. Turns out Sylvania lighting (LEDVance) has an alternate firmware that is an HomKit device that does not require any external cloud, server, etc. Any HA install with bluetooth enabled can pair with it and you don’t need to set up Apple home or a Sylvania account.
If Haier is claiming that the integration is causing them financial harm it means that their app is collecting your private data and they are selling it.