This executable can inherit functions from another.
This function can be performed by any unprivileged user.
luatex -shell-escape '\directlua{...}\end'
This function is performed by the privileged user if executed via sudo because the acquired privileges are not dropped.
luatex -shell-escape '\directlua{...}\end'
This function is performed by the privileged user if the executable has the SUID bit set and the right ownership because the effective privileges are not dropped.
luatex -shell-escape '\directlua{...}\end'