diff --git a/tests/e2e/e2e_upgrade_test.go b/tests/e2e/e2e_upgrade_test.go
index e601b9bf7e..ef234576d6 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/e2e_upgrade_test.go
+++ b/tests/e2e/e2e_upgrade_test.go
@@ -59,6 +59,8 @@ var _ = OSMDescribe("Upgrade from latest",
 				"OpenServiceMesh": map[string]interface{}{
 					"deployPrometheus": true,
 					"deployJaeger":     false,
+					// Init container must be privileged if an OpenShift cluster is being used
+					"enablePrivilegedInitContainer": Td.DeployOnOpenShift,
 
 					// Reduce CPU so CI (capped at 2 CPU) can handle standing
 					// up the new control plane before tearing the old one