I have experienced both scenarios of leaf development before rooting and vice versa. I think both develop independent of each other. I've pulled leafless cuttings out of potted soil only to find several small rootlets emerging. Nicely buried cuttings with tiny leaflets developing have also shown to be without any root development at all. Now I just leave them alone in their gallon pots and give only occasional watering for one growing season here in zone 9b, Central Florida.

Thanks.

With regard to the budless two top sections:
I read that fig tops are do-nothings.