I'm using POP! OS (Ubuntu based). Can't say I know why your controller is doing that.
The Arch Wiki might be able to help.
I know what causes the controller issue now: Chromium for Linux doesn't recognize the brand of the controller I used. The Steam version wouldn't have this problem thanks to Steam Input.
Weird that it doesn't work on Pop OS. Maybe the current release is just too outdated due to the overhaul they're working on.