Description of the need
If you ever set the Default picture on admin/config/people/settings, then you could have an impression the settings in the next section for Picture display style would apply to the default picture.

Unfortunately, it's not true as the HTML-code always shows:
<img src="http://in.docksal.site/files/pictures/default_image.png" alt="Backdrop CMS's picture" title="Backdrop CMS's picture">
for the default picture. However, if a user uploads his/her own picture, then the image style kicks in:
<img src="http://in.docksal.site/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/picture-1-1614678151.png" alt="Backdrop CMS's picture" title="Backdrop CMS's picture">
Proposed solution
I don't see any reasons for the style selected in Picture display style section not to be applied for also the default picture. If you, guys, support this feature request, then I could offer a respective PR.
Recent comments
Perhaps, these latest lines of random test failures can be considered in the meeting too?
December 18th, 2025 - Weekly Meetings
There are some test failures in the user module after merging in the latest commits. Randomly, only in one PHP version - and always a different one. See also this Zulip...
December 18th, 2025 - Weekly Meetings
Two issues would benefit from testing and code reviews; they've been around for a while and no takers. It would be a shame for these to miss the next releases. View Table Headings...
December 18th, 2025 - Weekly Meetings