The default is OFF, it comes ON prior to starting the car to show that the bulb is working.
I believe the DEFAULT is ON, not OFF. You can turn it OFF by pressing the switch. When it is manually turned OFF, the bulb lights up and stays on until you press the switch again, or turn off the ignition. ( Yes, the bulb does light initially to show it is not blown, just as all the other indicators )
Maybe we are saying the same thing with different words ?
( BTW, traction control is only operative between 24 and 50 MPH, according to the owners manual )