Yes, according to the datasheet the POR default of the SSPCON register is 0. Looking at the register definition it shows that as long as bit 5 is 0 the SSP module is disabled and its pins functions as normal I/O. This is probably also why it works the way you currently have it - you do have it configured for I2C mode but it's not actually enabled since bit 5 is cleared. Had you enabled it I don't think the I2C commands would've worked since the SSP module then would've been in control of the pins.

/Henrik.