This question is a extension of this thread: https://forums.debian.net/viewtopic.php?t=154837
From my understanding, it seems the only way to install Debian without non-free software is to do it the old fashioned way (debootstrap). Is this true?
No, you can use the debian installer without non-free-firmware (which by DFSG include firmware with binary blobs).
From that thread:
“Users who wish to disable firmware lookup entirely can do so by setting the firmware=never boot parameter. It’s an alias for the longer hw-detect/firmware-lookup=never form.”
Until you accidentally mistype it. Also that involves downloading proprietary software. I just want a iso that is free. I don’t mind Debian providing a installer with proprietary firmware but they should have a option for the old iso