I don't understand it either. If I change Safari's Search Engine to DDG I get the Apple Maps image which is what I want. If I change the Search Engine to Google I get harassed to sign into "my" Google Account despite the fact I have no such thing. Similar results happen if I choose Bing or whatever other options there are. But I did all that to confirm my answer was still correct. Then I changed it back to DDG and everything is as it should be.
As I rule I permit no Google apps to installed on my devices, so if you installed something of that nature it may be a factor.
If you started another thread I can't find it. There was an identical question some time ago. I'll attempt to find it.