That's not always true, especially for people working in large agencies where there is actually 1-2 windows per year for raises, I've seen people leave over it. I've seen it done to people being elevated to the Managing Director level, but having to wait x months before compensation kicks in.

When you're part of a larger whole that controls the HR scale, showing you can work within that isn't always bad.

It's a good point, but that still seems like a bad starting position, even in that sort of organization. If raises have to happen at predefined periods, you should just assume it's a given without mentioning it. If they say, "Yes, but you have to wait", that's fine. If they say, "Okay, we'll give it to you", that's better.