I've had 2cvs since 1993 and have never managed to start one on the handle. A lot less bother to give it a push and jump in, put it into second and lift the clutch.

Meanwhile, in Japan.
https://youtu.be/PlXPMqQsZIw?t=1m6s

Tbh, not much difference from anywhere else on the planet, as long as an engine's set up properly...

Well there's a knack to everything

The car starts instantly on the starter though-must be my technique! Or the bad back and hernia!

Had one of those newfangled solid state ignition coils fitted while I was down in the Kingdom of Mercia the other week. Expected instant starting, but alas, no. I know it was pretty damn hot while I was down there and also on holiday in the Kingdom of Wessex, but I couldn't get over how much the car struggled with starting and running. Since I returned to the coolness of the Shetland Islands the car has performed beautifully. Starts easily hot and cold, and has respectable in-gear performance too. I'm much, much happier with it now than when I was down south with it.

My experience is if it doesn't start on the button then somethings not right.

Mine is normal points but with the Harley yellow coil. I change the plugs really often - back in the days when I kept thinking I'd changed them (but time had flown & they needed changing) I used to often end up pushing the thing up & down the road. These days it starts almost instantly.

Did have a thing the last year or two where the starter motor was turning too slowly but that's sorted now.

Oh, meant to mention the thing about starting the engine when it's been running so it's hot. Only because it took me years to realise this because I bought the manual & it said in there : When engine is hot, gently push accelerator all the way to the floor while turning the key, until the engine catches.
Honestly can't tell you how many times that tip would have been useful before..

My 83 is starting always fine whatever the weather or temperature. First 25 years with normal points now with 123.