The problem is that depsgraph evaluation happens before the OpenGL context is initialized, and so modifier evaluation happens without GPU subdivision. Later the BKE_subsurf_modifier_can_do_gpu_subdiv test in the draw code gives a different result. This just checks if the mesh has information for GPU subdivision in the draw code, and if so uses it. This is only set if the test for supported GPU subdivision passes in the modifier evaluation. Additionally it may be good to perform OpenGL context initialization earlier so background render can take advantage of GPU subdivision, but this is more complicated. Differential Revision: https://developer.blender.org/D14969