QR code reader/scanner on Pixel lock screen behaves oddly (only flashes momentarily)

Android 14+ allows a QR code scanner to be added to the lock screen (at least on Pixel devices). On a Pixel phone that does not have a SIM and has not yet been connected the the Internet (thus has no Google account), that lock screen QR code reader behaves oddly. When its on-screen button is held down, it just flashes the QR code reader momentarily, and then goes back to the Android lock screen. No QR codes can be read. The phone has been factory reset, and the same issue persists. At this time, adding a SIM or connecting to the Internet is not desired. Is this the expected behaviour, or does the device likely have a problem?