A lot depends on the individual who is using Bitcoin. Also it depends on how a government is treating the ban. Does it have a punitive clause into it or not. So it's situational.
Like in North Korea I don't think any individual will be brave enough to use something that is banned. But in many other countries where no punitive measures are taken, people will be using it unless they get caught for financial misconduct or by the tax authorities.
Countries like North Korea are very strict with their laws especially does related to finance. It is really challenging for them been that they are in an authoritarian regimes, as such using something like Bitcoin, which represents decentralization and financial autonomy, can be seen as a serious offense not just a legal violation but even a political one.
This is where bravery and smartness plays out. It will be useless being brave to use a commodity that is banned without knowing how to save them without being caught or traced.
These countries are very rare and for the general rule are not worth talking about. Most countries where Bitcoin is or could be made illegal are not strict or dangerous like that to their own population.
Is it brave or suicidal? A bit of both, honestly. You’re staking personal freedom on a belief in permissionless money. If you’re prepared for the risks—legal and otherwise—then you’re living the ethos of Bitcoin at its core. Just make sure you’ve thought through the worst-case and have a plan to stay safe.
People break all kinds of laws for stupid reasons all the time. Breaking a law to use Bitcoin is doing the right thing for the right reasons, pretty brave.