diff --git a/sequencer/src/api/sql.rs b/sequencer/src/api/sql.rs
index 96251929d6..7106f9fa52 100644
--- a/sequencer/src/api/sql.rs
+++ b/sequencer/src/api/sql.rs
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ impl SequencerDataSource for DataSource {
         }
 
         if opt.lightweight {
+            tracing::warn!("enabling light weight mode..");
             builder = builder.leaf_only();
         }
 
diff --git a/sequencer/src/persistence/sql.rs b/sequencer/src/persistence/sql.rs
index ef16f30ae6..0ed4716cdd 100644
--- a/sequencer/src/persistence/sql.rs
+++ b/sequencer/src/persistence/sql.rs
@@ -190,6 +190,7 @@ pub struct Options {
     #[clap(
         long,
         env = "ESPRESSO_SEQUENCER_LIGHTWEIGHT",
+        default_value_t = false,
         conflicts_with = "archive"
     )]
     pub(crate) lightweight: bool,