Question for mods re: Topic Icons

[fickman]

Why do some sub-forums allow posters to alter the topic icon when starting a new thread e.g. Other States, Crime Blotter - while others do not e.g. Test, Off-Topic?

Is it just left to the mods of each sub-forum? Just curious. I spent a shameful amount of time today troubleshooting and wondering why I couldn't change the icon while working on an Off-Topic post.

This isn't a priority, important, or something that will add any amount of fulfillment to the rest of my life. . . I'm just curious.