Boeing changes their manuals at least once a year plus different operators may have different wording and techniques in their manuals. At the start of takeoff roll there is no airflow over the control surfaces so it doesn't matter where the controls are. Once you start to roll you steer with the rudder and keep the wings level with the ailerons. If you maintain runway center line and lift off with wings level you did it right. After becoming airborne you will be in a slip. Gradually take out the cross controls and fly whatever heading or course you need. I don't know whether the starting position for small airplanes is important, but after you get rolling they all work the same.