If a reader begins at an internal passage rather than the first verse of a surah, istiʿadhah is observed. In this situation, the guidance describes reciting basmalah as preferable rather than imposing the same opening rule as at the start of a surah.
Example: You are beginning today's passage partway through Surat al-Baqarah. Recite istiʿadhah first; you may then read basmalah before the selected verse.
Key distinction: the beginning of a surah and a passage inside it are two different cases. Confusing them leads to an inaccurate statement of the rule.