One simple way to look at progressions is by their harmonic intervals (notes played together) and how they relate to each other. Since this thread is focused on modes we'll use a modal progression as an example. Let's use a two chord progression, making it easier to see a nice fit.
Here it goes...... FMaj////GMaj////FMaj////GMaj.......... At first glance you could play F Ionian////G Ionian////, etc.......... But there's got to be an easier way to compliment the progression and focus on highlighting the notes as the progression changes.
FMaj = 1-3-5 (F-A-C) GMaj = 1-3-5 (G-B-D)
Let's look at the F Ionian mode = 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 (F-G-A-Bb-C-D-E)
All of the notes fit except for that damn 4th interval (Bb) and it's not even used in the FMaj chord!!!!!!! That 4th interval would need to be # from Bb to B and it would work for both chords. Let's try again this time using the F Lydian mode = 1-2-3-#4-5-6-7 (F-G-A-B-C-D-E) Hey that works!!!!!!! Many players would argue and say you could just use the C Major scale and it would work the same way, but I view it differently. The progression begins with FMaj and moves up a Major 2nd to GMaj giving the progression it's own entity. Modal progressions usually use 2 or 3 chord structures and resolve to the root chord so it remains the tonic or home chord of the mode emphasized.
Try a ________ mode and combine a minor/Major progression:
Dm7////Dm7////FMaj7////CMaj7............... What mode would fit here?