An indicator for me is that initial jump, when shares start getting consumed that pps is going to rise. I know its a dumb analogy but I attribute it to driving (Its how I found KATX at .018 and CNEX at .004) that first shift from first gear to 2nd gear is that initial jump.. a strong one. You'll never get in on this jump unless you know the people who are buying initially or you're just lucky. This is the best time to buy, but it is tricky.
KATX jumped up like 400% that first time when it was around .003, I bought after then. If its a pump and dump you'll likely be holding the bag but if it is a solid investment then the entry is good. There will be consolidation, the pps may even retract but that is nothing more than profit taking, so many times I sold during consolidation only to miss huge gains so do the DD and have confidence in your investment. (CNEX went from .004 for me up to .015, retraced to .008 where I sold then flew to .036 where I missed a 900% profit)
Basically watch the movement, secure your position and have patience. I'm to the point now where I'll wait a day or two before buying after a huge gain, gives me an indication of which way things are headed.