2003 Toyota Yaris Icons

Electrical problem
2003 Toyota Yaris Front Wheel Drive Automatic 5000 miles

Hi
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm a girl and know little about cars!
When I switch my car on, I have noticed an icon appearing on the right hand side which in the handbook, is desctibed as a 'malfunction light'. This disappears within seconds. If there was a problem, would this light stay on? I'm not sure if I've just noticed it for the first time and it's always lit up, or if there is an actual problem?
Thannks