Back up lights on when trans is in neutral

I am pretty sure putting in reverse makes the circuit. Easy enough to tell, shift the trans into reverse and see if the linkage in the hole moves closer to the switch to engage it, or not.
Well of course reverse position closes the switch but... Is the button pushed or released when in reverse? That's what I don't know. I doubt the moving part inside the trans is worn. The button on the switch might be worn.