The bug
Depending on the water/lava formation placed at y=0, the liquid may or may not spread. It would seem like the liquid requires three adjacent source blocks, but I have yet to fully confirm this.
How to reproduce
- Place lava/water in a "T" shape, and break a block to make a cross
→ Liquid flows - Place lava/water in an "I" shape, and break a block to make a "T" shape
→ Liquid doesn't flow