Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may be configured to operate in a control mode. In some cases, the control mode may be an in active mode (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) inactive mode). The UE may be configured to receive a control message from a network node. In some cases, the control message may include an uplink grant associated with a duration. The duration may relate to a timer, such as an expiration timer, for example. The UE may transmit an uplink transmission to the network node while operating in the control mode. The uplink transmission may be in accordance with the uplink grant and the duration. In some cases, prior to transmitting the uplink transmission, the UE may multiplex the uplink transmission with a second control message including an indication for the UE to remain in the control mode.