Why does all lights come on but dash lights until engine is started on 1990 geo prizm?

Most cars used to turn on all the warning lights when the starter was cranking the engine. This is a check mode so you can see they work.

If you want more time to see, put the car in drive, put your foot on the brake and turn the key, the lights should all come on but the engine should not crank.

For manual trans cars leave your foot off the clutch in Nuetral. Same effect.