Custom alert message

Using an expression tag works, however I can’t get the desired result in my alert message.
In my testing it seems that the deadband parameter is ignored in the digital alert, any change mode.
In the documentation it says it still applies.

I thought that if it changed and stayed in the same state until the deadband expired it would send the alert and that
to send another alert it would have to reverse and hold that state until the deadband expired again to send another alert.

I would appreciate an explanation on how it is intended to work as it has me confused.
Thanks.