you need good code reader for the ecu to test the diag light is two stage major sensor failure registers pre faults if they happen 5 times then become a hard fault then light or an emissions related fault then the light on
Have a BBS Faultmate & can drive light 'on' via PC.
Have had car running very rough but no light but also no sensors shown as failed.
I know some other makes of car that seem to switch them on every few hundred miles & the engine seems to be running fine, The Vauxhall cars & vans at work seem to have that habit...