I would think it's a matter of personality.
If you overthink and let yourself be pushed about, you are in trouble.
If you are accustomed to be reactive and forward it becomes a reflex. But one never knows until push comes to shove!
I found it interesting, as soon as I got my Black Belt several of the other, lower rank students reversed in there sparring. One girl ran backwards so quickly, I couldn't keep up. And she had youth and agility on her side, too!
On a funny note, one of our kids flattened his dad...Dad startled kid, kid turns and kicks, dad goes down in a heap....for about a good 15+ minutes
the kid is a good sparrer, active and forward! I would have not told the story if the dad himself would not proudly retell it all the time!