It's normally a resilient system. Given you're low mileage it might have seized up a little through lack of use. Hopefully it will free up with some use.
The 4ws is supposed to operate even when stationary with the engine running.
The light should come on when the ignition first goes on. It sounds very much like the bulb was removed to pass the MOT I suspect. It might be worth noting if the bulb is blown or removed and take it up with the seller. Perhaps film the dash cluster removal, if its absent that is evidence of foul play. Might get some money back on it if dishonesty is involved.
There is a 'simple' reset procedure, sometimes the car can throw an error when the battery gets a little flat. Most people don't know how to reset it so resort to removing the bulb.
The reset procedure is (from memory)
1) short out the 2pin connector to the left of the radio, behind the dorito shaped carpet piece (it just pulls off).
2) turn on ignition, do not start the engine
3) When the 4ws light stops flashing it's code. turn the steering wheel 45degrees to the right. The 4ws light comes on
4) Turn the wheel back to dead ahead, 4ws light goes off
5) Turn the wheel to the right 45 degrees, the 4ws light comes on
6) turn back to middle again, I think the light goes off, and then flashes twice.
7) Turn off ignition, remove jumper wire
start the car, light should come on as expected, then go off.
All of the above takes only about 15 seconds tops. It might be easier to overinflate the front tyres a little, or try and jack the car up at the front, as hefting the wheel 45degrees with no PAS is a bit of workout.
That's all from memory, I haven't had to do it for about 6 years now. It happened a few times on my pre facelift 5th gen when ever I stalled it whilst parking. The facelift one I have now has never thrown the light, despite stalling occasionally in the same manner.
I know the 4th gens sometimes suffered from 'cold' cracked solder joints in the 4ws ECU which was an easy enough fix with a beefy soldering iron. I'm not sure I have read of the 5th gen suffering the same fate. Pretty sure you will be able to find a spare 4ws ecu here (Might even have one myself).
If you do have a bulb fitted, check the ECU is fitted in the rear right of the boot behind the carboard/fabric boot liner. I guess someone could have removed it as easier than removing the bulb!
If you have a genuine fault (other than stiffness/low battery), the 4ws light will blink a code pointing to any logged faults. Sensors can fail etc.
