Utilizing semantic architecture (natural elements and terms):
For linear workflows, you would want to create a breadcrumb that shows the future.
For variable path workflows, you would want to create a tree. Which in essence is a stacked, or multilevel, breadcrumb that shows the future.
This covers the structure, visual display would follow your current style guidelines.

One funny thing is that ul’s by nature are vertical elements. Breadcrumbs are horizontal navigation elements that use ul’s. This is visual display breaking holistic markup, but is accepted approach.
If I were to make any point, it would be to start with holistic markup, and add styles and behavior to improve UX. In this case you need a trail, trails are ul elements in general. While they can be generated with anything, even groupings of span tags, the internet as a whole wants certain tags for certain things.