A deficit deadlift is a deadlift performed while standing on a weight plate or platform, usually around one to four inches high. It's used as assistance work for those that have trouble in the first stage of the deadlift. The increased range of motion also recruits more of the posterior chain and quads.
You can even get creative with it and use farmers walk handles on either side of your platform or plate. These really challenge your grip with heavy weights.
One of my central operating paradigms is the realization that all methods, devices, philosophies and techniques involved in strength training have specific benefits and drawbacks. If your training lacks sufficient diversity, you'll accumulate the drawbacks and habituate to the benefits. And that ain't good.