For the FD, the cable should be secured with the FD in its innermost position over the small ring.
I always refer to the Park Tool repair guides when adjusting my triple setups. Step by step.
Park Tool Co. » ParkTool Blog
Would your FD happen to be one of the Shimano models that has a little nub that the cable must be routed over the top of in order to ensure the the chain makes it all the way out to the large ring?