U16, a LM393 dual comparator, has open collector outputs (pin 1 & 7). They can only pull down, not supply any current. It will pull down and disable the +15V_CTRL line if it detects the AC line is too low (U16B) or V_KSTART is too low (U16A). If U16 is not in the circuit, this fault detection will not function.
Understand you now have +32 volts at TP31.
What voltage do you have at the junction of R378 and D31 (U16 pins 1 & 7 pads)?
How about on the bases of Q39/40/41?
Sometimes, SMPS's are finicky about how the power comes up. Something to try... short D31 (connect the junction of R378 and D31 to V+BULKRTN). Power up, allowing the bulk caps to fully charge (maybe 3 seconds), and then remove the short. Does +15V_CTRL come up to +15 volts then?