no you start in 1st gear then 2nd hold around 4000rpms depending on what you have for a engine
Low gearbox fluid could be start.
Guessing that the power to the transmission module is lost. Some manufacturers make available a "limp home" mode that reverts to third gear take off if the electronics are lost. In other words, if you unplug the computer harness from the transmission, the transmission will remain in 3rd gear so you can drive it to a repair shop.
If it is a Electronic Auto transmission (1990ish onwards), it could be that the computerised gear change moduals are not working. Check the fuse first. It would be running in 'limp home mode' and only staying in third gear. even moving off from start in it.
3000 RPM
The switched labeled SGS stands for "Second Gear Start". This allows you to start off in second gear when accellerating.
For a normal passenger car, it would be first gear. While you might be able to move from a dead stop in second gear, this puts a lot of strain on the drivetrain, and causes excessive wear. In commercial vehicles (tractor trailers, dump trucks, etc), and dependent on what transmission you have, and what the vehicle weight is, you can often start off in second or third gear... you could often even start off in fourth or fifth, but again, the matter of excessive wear on drivetrain components comes into play.
is the transmiton
Second gear start was a feature on a few GM car models in the mid 90's. When engaged, the car will start off in second gear instead of first. This is why the car is slower while turned on. There is much less torque output starting out in second gear, providing improved traction while driving in icy and snowy conditions. There is a button or switch somewhere that turns it on and off.
Your clutch is not disengaging.
most likely mozelator valve
missing teeth on third gear