WinSCP does not refresh data when opening

When connecting and when WINSCP opens WINSCP does not refresh the data unless the refresh button is used.
Data does not refresh ever unless I use the refresh button

I find this unusual behavior and wondered if this is operating as intended or a bug.

Version 5.5.6 build 4746 Using GUI Explorer
Log file attached.

I assume you are referring the a remote panel, right?
WinSCP indeed does not refresh the remote panel automatically by default. I do not even think it is an unusual behavior.
Anyway, you can enable an automatic refresh in preferences:
https://winscp.net/eng/docs/ui_pref_panels_remote