We have a solar tube in our laundry room between the garage and kitchen, solves the problem during the day but not at night.

Based on information provided, sounds like the electrician wired the switch with 4 wire romex, but only needed 3. The pinkish coated wire in not needed for the explained switch configuration, simply cap it off and wire it as 3 wire romex.

Purple is White
 

I see white markings on the purple wire. Electricians mark wires in this way if they don’t have the proper colored wire. Assuming that’s what was done here, this purple wire should be treated as a white wire.

We also have the solar tube they now have solar night lights which we put in all of our solar tubes they work great recharge during the day very dim light so you don’t even have to turn the light on at night we also have them in our bathrooms

We just got our home this past spring and found the laundry room with the switch’s was a pain. I took another route. I changed out the light with a motion sensor light it’s led and works great. Left the lights switch’s alone. Plug and play.

Motion sensing light bulbs sounds really easy but we're in the new "all LED" section of TV and I don't think....though could be wrong....that there is a motion sensing option for this type of light fixture.

As for my next move.....I've called for professional assistance!

If you come home with your hands full... how did you get in the house???
Do you have an automatic door opener like a grocery store? Just curious.
:popcorn::popcorn:

Those work great after dark. Why have an auto light switch for daytime???
:ohdear::ohdear::shocked:

I bought a motion triggered night light and plugged it directly into the mid “hall” outlet. We rarely use the switch overhead light, but we can if we want to. Amazon has several with varying features. I chose a skinny LED that allows me to use the other receptacle. Easy easy.

Ah yeah I see how that would work just great, thanks for the idea :)

2 switches red will power the second one

I believe the red goes from one stock switch to the other stock switch so that either one can turn the light on or off by flipping it either way...if that makes any sense.

I my case I don't really want the other switch to have any control over the light....only the new motion sensor switch.

Solar tubs are a great way to light a room. My Va. laundry room has no windows but it has a solar tub. No light needed during the day!

I gave up and had a solar light installed.

Caution!
 

I suggest you hire an electrician who knows. You are working with a three-way switch set-up. You could start a house fire.

As posted above, it's happening! Thanks :)