Pads/triggers are typically set to respond on different notes (with keys mapped according to either standard GM/GS Drums layout, or some custom layout) on the same MIDI channel. CC #32 is Bank Select LSB and typically goes in pair with CC #0 Bank Select MSB - for example, CC#0 with a value of 121 selects GM2 bank, and subsequent CC#32 with values 0/1/2 select variation banks for the current Program. Filter resonance would be controlled by CC# 71 Timbre / Harmonic Intensity.
MIDI controller keyboards are typically programed to include these standard controller changes on their faders/sliders and pads/butttons.
I guess the prevailing control method today is to use automation, since VST offers much finer control and the number of channels/buses is infinite. MIDI CCs would only control the ''offset" - i.e. all connected pads would shift their asssigned oscillator/filter/LFO/AG/EG parameters proportionallly according to a relative change from the default value.
Typically the plug-in UI will let you draw automations in some user-friendly way - see for example this tutorial for Xfer Nerve plug-in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3r7y1_7n2M