The short answer according to the info you've posted is yes.
Here is the info a controller should give you if you are issued a noncharted hold quoted directly from the AIM...
5-3-7(i)
An ATC clearance requiring an aircraft to hold at a fix where the pattern is not charted will include the following information:
- Direction of holding from the fix in terms of the eight cardinal compass points (as Tony said)
- holding fix
- Radial, course, bearing, airway or route on which the aircraft is to hold
- Leg length in miles if DME or RNAV is to be used
- Direction of turn if left turns are to be made, the pilot requests, or the controller considers it necessary
- Time to expect further clearance and any pertinent additional delay information
Example:
"N12345, hold southwest of XXX on the 240 degree radial, expect further clearance at 1845"
According to the AIM you would only use a left turn if instructed to do so by ATC or if you request left turns.
Example:
"N12345, hold southwest of XXX on the 240 degree radial, left turns, expect further clearance at 1845"
If the hold is charted and depicts a nonstandard hold, then you would have to comply with what is charted unless ATC advises otherwise (paragraph h. of that same section). In the case that the hold is published, then ATC may omit all holding instructions except the charted holding direction and the statement "as published" (paragraph b.).
Example:
"N12345, hold southwest of XXX as published"
If at any point the instructions are unclear you can always ask ATC.