diff --git a/.gitlab-ci.yml b/.gitlab-ci.yml
index 2dbe5bab61e..46d51f3b574 100644
--- a/.gitlab-ci.yml
+++ b/.gitlab-ci.yml
@@ -57,7 +57,11 @@ workflow:
         # Note: 0 = infinity = gitlab's job `timeout:` applies, which is 1h
         BUILD_JOB_TIMEOUT_OVERRIDE: 0
     # pipeline for direct pushes that bypassed the CI
-    - if: &is-direct-push $CI_PROJECT_NAMESPACE == "mesa" && $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "push" && $GITLAB_USER_LOGIN != "marge-bot"
+    - if: &is-direct-push $CI_PROJECT_NAMESPACE == "mesa" && $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "push" && $CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH
+      variables:
+        JOB_PRIORITY: 70
+    # pipeline for direct pushes from release maintainer
+    - if: &is-staging-push $CI_PROJECT_NAMESPACE == "mesa" && $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "push" && $CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME =~ /^staging\//
       variables:
         JOB_PRIORITY: 70
 
diff --git a/.pick_status.json b/.pick_status.json
index 5a4e5b2d8b1..da2c71673d3 100644
--- a/.pick_status.json
+++ b/.pick_status.json
@@ -934,7 +934,7 @@
         "description": "ci: only trigger the CI for release managers when pushing to staging branch",
         "nominated": true,
         "nomination_type": 1,
-        "resolution": 0,
+        "resolution": 1,
         "main_sha": null,
         "because_sha": null,
         "notes": null