diff --git a/graphify/__main__.py b/graphify/__main__.py
index ee67ebb1..596d8fe9 100644
--- a/graphify/__main__.py
+++ b/graphify/__main__.py
@@ -370,9 +370,17 @@ _VSCODE_INSTRUCTIONS_MARKER = "## graphify"
 _VSCODE_INSTRUCTIONS_SECTION = """\
 ## graphify
 
-Before answering architecture or codebase questions, read `graphify-out/GRAPH_REPORT.md` if it exists.
-If `graphify-out/wiki/index.md` exists, navigate it for deep questions.
-Type `/graphify` in Copilot Chat to build or update the knowledge graph.
+For any question about this repo's architecture, structure, components, or how to add/modify/find
+code, your **first tool call must be** to read `graphify-out/GRAPH_REPORT.md` (if it exists).
+
+Triggers: "how do I…", "where is…", "what does … do", "add/modify a <component>",
+"explain the architecture", or anything that depends on how files or classes relate.
+
+After reading the report (and `graphify-out/wiki/index.md` for deep questions), answer from the
+graph. Only read source files when (a) modifying/debugging specific code, (b) the graph lacks
+the needed detail, or (c) the graph is missing or stale.
+
+Type `/graphify` in Copilot Chat to build or update the graph.
 """