I guess it depends on what you mean by controlling them.
If I watch my GChildren, we do one task (play) at a time, then tidy. For example, the colouring books don't come out until the blocks are picked up. If they want the cars, then the toy food gets put in the basket first.
I give them plenty of warning when we are going to switch tasks, so as not to pull them away from something when they are not ready.
Mine are a bit older now, ranging from 8 to 4, but I do remember the challenges of 3 year olds wanting to do their own thing. Part of it is letting them know your expectations. I never allowed jumping on furniture; it they felt the need to jump, then we put shoes on and went out to the yard, etc.
If they had a melt down, then they were placed on the floor in our spare bedroom to cry and kick, and told to come out when they were ready.