Rdf graph traversal using sparql

Hi,
When a sparql query is made, does it look for the pattern from the root
node(starts traversing the node from the beginning) or traverses the graph
from specified node?


For example:
I have root node as A, B and C are subclasses of A. D is subclass of C and
E is subclass of D. If i make a sparql query for node D, will it start from
A or directly from D node.

Thanks
Kind regards,
Ashutosh