Gibbs-White, who joined Forest from Wolves in a deal which could rise to £42.5m in 2022, was speaking to BBC Football Focus last week, shortly after being sent off in the 2-2 draw at Brighton.
Gibbs-White and boss Nuno Espirito Santo have since been charged by the Football Association for acting in an improper manner and allegedly using abusive and insulting language towards match officials.
He conceded he could see why he was sent off but feels he cannot play any other way.
“If I’m at 70% or 60% going into a game, I can’t play like that,” he said.
“I have to be 150% all the time. I always have to be on it and I like the feeling of having control in a game.
“Sometimes when we’re playing City or someone and having none of the ball I get frustrated, but that’s when the control comes in and to understand what the manager wants from this moment.”
Gibbs-White has been included in the England squad for the Nations League games against Greece and Finland this month.
He made his senior debut in the 2-0 win in Ireland in September, having won the Under-21 European Championships last summer, and revealed the emotional impact the selection had.
He said: “When I received the call I was in bits, I was crying. As a kid you grow up dreaming of this moment, wanting it for so long and when you finally get it you feel like you’ve achieved something in life.
“Seeing the quality and standard was incredible. You can see why these players are at the top level.”