FYI,
My current workaround for this is to have the pulldata(@layer) fields added as a note type linked to a geopoint field.
Process for offline collection:
1- Open the survey form and collect the GPS geopoint field - Note fields for reserve name, area etc are all unable to populate as the device is offline
2- Fill all fields and save the survey to the outbox
3 - When back in service/online, edit the survey from the outbox. without editing any fields the GPS Geopoint will now update all the pulldata(@layer) calculations and populate the note fields for reserve name, area etc.
4 - Submit the survey from the outbox.