We analyze a hybrid scoto-seesaw model based on $A_4$ discrete symmetry to understand neutrino masses and mixing. The minimal type-I seesaw generates tribimaximal (TBM) neutrino mixing at the leading order. The scotogenic contribution acts as a deviation from this first-order approximation of the lepton mixing matrix to yield the observed non-zero $\theta_{13}$, and to accommodate a potential dark matter candidate.