Usually, the forward direction of a flying multi-rotor is the same as the nose direction. By using Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC), wherever the nose points,the forward direction has nothing to do with nose direction:
In course lock flying, the forward direction is the same as a recorded nose direction. See the following figures(Mode 1):
In home lock flying, the forward direction is the same as the direction from home point to multi-rotor.See the following figures (Mode 2):