diff --git a/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme b/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme
index c878c3d5..c128ae32 100755
--- a/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme
+++ b/powerlevel9k.zsh-theme
@@ -69,6 +69,9 @@ source "${p9k_directory}/functions/vcs.zsh"
 # cleanup temporary variables.
 unset p9k_directory
 
+[[ -v POWERLEVEL9K_LEFT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS ]] || POWERLEVEL9K_LEFT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(context dir vcs)
+[[ -v POWERLEVEL9K_RIGHT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS ]] || POWERLEVEL9K_RIGHT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(status root_indicator background_jobs history time)
+
 ################################################################
 # Color Scheme
 ################################################################
@@ -2136,9 +2139,6 @@ prompt_powerlevel9k_setup() {
       fi
   fi
 
-  defined POWERLEVEL9K_LEFT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS || POWERLEVEL9K_LEFT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(context dir vcs)
-  defined POWERLEVEL9K_RIGHT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS || POWERLEVEL9K_RIGHT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(status root_indicator background_jobs history time)
-
   # Display a warning if deprecated segments are in use.
   typeset -AH deprecated_segments
   # old => new