The minimumElasticInstanceCount parameter in Azure App Service's siteConfig controls the minimum number of instances that are always running for apps deployed on an Elastic Premium (EP) App Service Plan. It helps ensure that a baseline number of instances are ready, reducing cold starts and improving responsiveness.

Since you’re using the B1 (Basic) App Service Plan, this setting is not relevant, as it only applies to Elastic Premium Plans.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/manage-automatic-scaling?tabs=azure-portal