diff --git a/doc/diffs.nvim.txt b/doc/diffs.nvim.txt
index 3db6db6..7704b5b 100644
--- a/doc/diffs.nvim.txt
+++ b/doc/diffs.nvim.txt
@@ -398,9 +398,9 @@ diff-related features.
 ==============================================================================
 HIGHLIGHT GROUPS                                          *diffs-highlights*
 
-diffs.nvim defines custom highlight groups. Fugitive unified diff groups use
-`default = true`, so colorschemes can override them. Diff mode groups are
-always derived from the corresponding `Diff*` groups.
+diffs.nvim defines custom highlight groups. All groups use `default = true`,
+so colorschemes can override them by defining the group before the plugin
+loads.
 
 All derived groups are computed by alpha-blending a source color into the
 `Normal` background. Line-level groups blend at 40% alpha for a subtle tint;
diff --git a/lua/diffs/init.lua b/lua/diffs/init.lua
index cfdfb4b..14a4c13 100644
--- a/lua/diffs/init.lua
+++ b/lua/diffs/init.lua
@@ -219,10 +219,14 @@ local function compute_highlight_groups()
   local diff_change = resolve_hl('DiffChange')
   local diff_text = resolve_hl('DiffText')
 
-  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffAdd', { bg = diff_add.bg })
-  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffDelete', { fg = diff_delete.fg, bg = diff_delete.bg })
-  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffChange', { bg = diff_change.bg })
-  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffText', { bg = diff_text.bg })
+  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffAdd', { default = true, bg = diff_add.bg })
+  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(
+    0,
+    'DiffsDiffDelete',
+    { default = true, fg = diff_delete.fg, bg = diff_delete.bg }
+  )
+  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffChange', { default = true, bg = diff_change.bg })
+  vim.api.nvim_set_hl(0, 'DiffsDiffText', { default = true, bg = diff_text.bg })
 end
 
 local function init()