I have the same problem. The only way I can successfully scan is if before activating an ASK session I have already tried to scan. That presents the Bluetooth permissions popup and if the user allows it, then the centralManager state behaves as expected.
However, when the session is activated before we ask for permissions, then it looks like we get locked with using just ASK, as the centralManager will be always in poweredOff state.
Anyone from the ASK team to clarify what's happening and why?