diff --git a/restic_compose_backup/cli.py b/restic_compose_backup/cli.py
index 4700c9a..3283756 100644
--- a/restic_compose_backup/cli.py
+++ b/restic_compose_backup/cli.py
@@ -17,10 +17,14 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 def main():
     """CLI entrypoint"""
     args = parse_args()
-    log.setup(level=args.log_level)
     config = Config()
+    log.setup(level=args.log_level or config.log_level)
     containers = RunningContainers()
 
+    # Ensure log level is propagated to parent container if overridden
+    if args.log_level:
+        containers.this_container.set_config_env('LOG_LEVEL', args.log_level)
+
     if args.action == 'status':
         status(config, containers)