I guess it depends on the airline's operational policy. Delta doesn't do reverse-thrust pushbacks (though I do remember in the old days Eastern did it quite often at ATL).

I do remember one time riding on an American 757 at DFW where it performed a reverse-thrust pushback. Certain gates are authorized for use of reverse-thrust pushback where it is safe to do so.

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AlphaSigOU
Causa latet vis est notissima - the cause is hidden, the results are well-known.