How to set default value for dropdown if it's not the first value

[cdcv]

I use drop down lists with a series of values that have a logical order (eg so the user can choose one of several lengths of time). I'd like to present them in the logical order. As far as I can tell the default dropdown value is the first value. Is it possible to set the default to a value other than the first value? If not... feature request. Thanks!