Introverts- how would you appreciate being approached?

Before you say “we’d rather not.” I understand this. I’m 50/50. I’m not the most extroverted person myself.
Im a quiet type too but a little more social than he is. Whenever I see him, He literally doesn’t talk to anyone.

I’d like to get to know him so how would I approach and make conversation with an him? A lot of people have told me to make small talk etc but that’s the thing. Don’t introverted individuals hate small talk? Im not the biggest fan of small talk myself and I’d really hate to be intrusive. But it’s not like I can’t just go up to him and unleash a conversation about the meaning of life u kno? .