def METHOD_NAME(a: Optional[Union[Any, Tuple[Any]]]) -> List[Any]:
    if a is None:
        return []
    if isinstance(a, tuple):
        # Split into components
        return list(a)
    if get_origin(a) is tuple:
        # Convert type arguments into list
        return list(get_args(a))
    # Otherwise, assume it's a single element
    return [a]