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Yep, the FD cable should really be just taught when set to the first gear. Then, as soon as you shift on the STI it should start to move the FD. If the cable is too loose when in first gear, the pull on the cable will only tighten the cable and not move the FD.
If you don't have barrel adjusters the best way can be to put the cable through the FD with bolt just loose enough to allow the cable to slip. Pull the FD outboard a little on it's spring, pull the cable tight and tighten the cable bolt. When you release the FD it should leave the cable taught but the FD still hanging in first gear.
Also, check how the FD is aligned to the chainrings. The manual for the FD should give you the optimum position.
Scrabble
Undo the cable from the FD. Pull on the cable to tension it, then try the STI.
Similarly, try to move the FD by hand (mounted on the frame, but disconnected): is it free to move all the way over? Are the stops limiting it?
Assuming they're OK, then I can only think you don't have enough tension on the cable.