Lightroom auto applying settings?

[ElCapitan]

I started using LR about 2-3 weeks ago, and I love it. I pretty have it down pat, but there are still a few things I need to learn.

My main problem is that it seems to be auto applying certain things without me wanting them. I made sure to turn off all auto applying in preferences, and I do not touch quick develop in the Library. The main thing I am noticing is noise reduction when viewing the image. When I look at the same image in Bridge and PS RAW, the image looks untouched.

Is there an auto apply going on that I do not know of, or is it just compensating to give you an idea of what the image should look like with the NR Luminance at 25? For example, when you adjust the NR Luminance in PS RAW, you can really only notice a difference when viewing at 100% until creating a PSD or jpg.

I just want to make sure I have as much control over my image as possible and if there is something I need to do, or perhaps not do, I would greatly appreciate the info.