It sounds like your hot spot may be too hot. Do you know what temp its running at? Do you have a thermostat or lamp dimmer on the heat pad?

In my experience, most ball pythons will spend a lot of time on the hot side outside of breeding season. However, some do seem to prefer cooler temperatures, though until you are sure your temps are right I would not say that it is simply a preference issue.

Get your hot side to 90 and your cool side to 80. If you have this gradient you will be fine and should not worry if your snake is always on the cool side then.