diff --git a/buildstream/element.py b/buildstream/element.py
index 3a9281f..f96655f 100644
--- a/buildstream/element.py
+++ b/buildstream/element.py
@@ -1877,7 +1877,8 @@
 
         if self.__strong_cached and pull_buildtrees:
             # If we've specified a subdir, check if the subdir is cached locally
-            if self.__artifact.cached_buildtree():
+            # or if it's possible to get
+            if self._cached_buildtree() or not self._buildtree_exists():
                 return False
         elif self.__strong_cached:
             return False