Not sure if this is what you are referring to but there are two systems:-
This assumes you are using an off track VOR to define a waypoint (of course you'd need a bearing from another facility to define a fix)
Port Published, Right Reciprocal; this system means the indicator will show fly left before reaching the fix and fly right after passing the fix. If the VOR is on the port you set the "published" radial, if on the right you set the reciprocal of the radial.
Another system is to always set the radial. Before the fix the needle will always be on the side that the VOR is on and vice versa.
Many decades ago I was taught Port Published, Right Reciprocal so that's the system I use.
Hope this helps.