You have to set up your wallet when you first get it. You have to install the crypto apps from the Account Manager and upgrade the firmware, which also requires installing a certain version of the Ledger Live. After that, you can avoid using the LL, unless it's time for another round of upgrades.
Actually I had a situation last summer, I had only the phone with me abroad and I needed to use my Ledger on a let's say unexpected setup and after trying the two Android wallets that I knew they support Ledger HW and they both gave error, I had no other choice than to use LL. Maybe I'll recheck the steps of what I've done and I'll write it detailed some day.
The point is that LL can be needed in other cases too, as wallet, and in the light of that seed recovery crap, ... it's somewhat unsettling.
All hardware wallet manufacturers have lied to their customers that sensitive data can't leave the secure element.
Then stick to permanently airgapped hardware wallets such as Passport, and your data can't leave the device at all.I strongly agree with both statements from here
