I just switched to a Volvo car for the first time in my life so I don't know if this is even possible.
With previous cars I was used to Cruise Control always being active and usable as soon as I start the car, I didn't have to activate it with a "cruise" button but could just drive away and use cruise control whenever I'm in 4th gear or higher or drive above 50 kmph.
But with my v50 I have to press the cruise button every time I shut down and start the car before I'm able to use it with the + and - buttons.

Is there any way I could always have it active as soon as I start the car?

 

what year is your car?

 

2010, 2.0 gasoline model.

 

any idea if it's possible?

 

I really do not think so. I think this is part of the "design" of the car.