If you have the height, you could install resilient bars and then a layer of 15mm sound block plasterboard onto those. The RB's deal with foot traffic and impact etc.
The builders wouldn't normally install insulation in a makeover / refurb unless building control had stipulated it, and it really should have been part of the spec that they tendered to so not really anyone's fault. Reality is that the void there is within the heated envelope, so insulation in that void would add nothing re thermal performance anyways, but you'd obvs have preferred it for acoustics.
Avoid penetrating the PB for spotlights, or go for a very good quality unit which is sound rated (as well as fire).
If this is life or death, you could drill the existing plasterboard and pump the voids with cellulose (Warmcell from PYC), then over-board and skim.