The painted boots

Original fiction extract.

The costume list said black boots. Ivo arrived at the dress rehearsal with bright red flowers painted around both ankles. When the director looked down, he stood defiant beside the stage steps, chin raised and hands behind his back. He had not misunderstood the list. He thought the flowers suited the character and was prepared to argue for them. The director asked him to try the scene once. Afterwards, they discussed which parts of the painting could remain without distracting from the other actors.

Use your own words to explain what the word “defiant” means in this extract.