Would you do a short experiment so we can see if the Hotlinked Module is indeed the source of the problem?:
1. Save the Project File, then save a copy of the Project File using "File > Save As".
2. In this copy, break the Hotlink that contains those Zone and elements, effectively incorporating its contents into the Project File.
3. See if the Expression is now properly evaluated.
Another question is, are these Hotlinked Modules nested, so there are Hotlinked Modules within the Hotlinked Modules? (That may or may not be relevant.)
Please let me know the results.
....................................................................................................
Get Archicad Tips at https://twitter.com/laszlonagy
AMD Ryzen 1700X CPU, 48 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB, 500 GB NVMe SSD
2x28" (2560x1440), WIN10 PRO ENG, AC20-AC26
Loving Archicad since 1995