As suggested above, we can have an "aura region" mechanic, where anyone around a certain battler or tile or something could obtain special buffs. We would need to check for any changes in positions, such as whether they move in or move out of an aura region, which may add or remove buffs as needed.
This "chicken matching" logic demonstrates the functionality behind it, where a chicken moves to another chicken and then lights up connected chickens. And if a chicken moves out of the connection, they lose their highlight.
Match 3 logic can be considered a vertical or horizontal area of effect. Auras might have other types of area of effecs like squares or diamonds or other shapes.