Hi,
I don't know, it's just the way I use it. I don't include "on" when I use the expression "It depends", where "It" is not really referring to something specific. I could leave out the part after "It depends", in those cases.
Is it good? It depends (what you mean by good)
I don't know if I'll be there. It depends (whether I'll feel like it)
You think I'm handsome? Heh, it depends (who you are comparing me with)Here you have something more specific, where I can't leave out the part after "it depends".
We are talking about the parameter alpha. It (=alpha) depends on how we choose the other related parameter, beta.In any case, I think I can't make a clear-cut distinction in every case, so there are several cases where I'd just say the version I like better. Also, this applies to "it depends". If I change the subject, and say "That depends", I am much more likely to include "on", I think.
Just my opinion.