Every basement is different. Our basement is 1/2 underground with exposed foundation walls about 4 feet up the walls. There are windows on all sides at ground level (no window wells).
We have good perimeter drainage and no issues with damp at all.
The only two rooms in our house with carpeting are the family room and dh's office. My sewing room and the laundry room have painted concrete floors. There was old tile, but we suspected it had asbestos and some were lifting so we have the rest removed.
We are lucky too to live in a mild climate (damp in winter outside). The basement is the most comfortable are of the house during the summer. If it feels cool in the winter we just put on a space heater.