The phrase "whole setup" means all the things or factors that are connected to a particular situation or event. It refers to the entire arrangement or system that is involved in something. Full definition
And — it's very — the whole setup is kind of anti what I think a committee should be like, where people sit around -- (cnbc.com)
The whole setup is gorgeous and intriguing - I don't think you can really see from the photos exactly how high up the mountains the rooms are from the main lobby and restaurant, but they are way up there. (101cookbooks.com)
To make a water bath, you place your springform pan inside a larger baking pan, and pour boiling water into the larger pan before placing the whole setup in the oven. (theredheadbaker.com)