There are at least eight different ways to wire a two way setup. The one that the OP describes is more unusual, but you do see it. It’s where the hot goes into the fixture before going to the switches.
See the GE wiring FAQ:
I’ve decided to put this FAQ together to help those with questions about installing GE 3-way switches.
Definitions of terms:
Line: The hot wire from the breaker (usually black)
Neutral: The return wire for circuits (usually white)
Load: The wire that will be hot when the circuit is completed to your light (usually black)
Traveler: In existing 3-way wiring, this wire toggles hot between two switches. In a smart switch 3-way configuration, a smaller charge is looped through the add-on switch.
Some things to know:
3-way wiring for smart switches is different than standard 3 way wiring.
You cannot use dumb 3-way switches with most smart switches (You must purchase the matching GE add-on switch to wire with your GE smart master switch).
If the line is wired into the light fixture, you …