ESP8266 -01 firmware

[dnars]

Hi,
I've been impressed with the capabilities of the 01 model and looking to include it in my project I am working on. I just wanted to ask if what I am trying to do would be achievable. So from what I've seen typically the ESP8266 is connected to an MCU like an Arduino and then AT commands are sent to the module to perform tasks like connect to wifi, send data etc.
What I would like to to do is have a piece of software on the ESP8266 that when its powered it sets up a wiFi network with dhcp without the need of a MCU telling it to do that. Could anyone advise if what I am thinking is doable and where I could start?

Thank you