VFR general aviation arrival to ZZZ airport was instructed by ATC to land at an adjacent airport because of a TFR that was about to become effective; reporter contended enough time was available to land before the TFR start time.

Narrative

In marginal VFR to VFR conditions; 3000 scattered to broken; I was delayed by weather conditions as I was returning to ZZZ. I reported 8 miles out 5 minutes before the effective time for a TFR; inbound to land with request to expedite. Controller advised that I was not permitted to land and had to be out of TFR airspace (35 miles away) within 5 minutes. I advised unable and his response was he didn't make rules. Controller then advised Approach Control was tracking me and suggested I land at nearby airport; which I did. I executed a turning; diving 'look out below' approach and I touched down at exactly; by my watch; the start time of TFR. I am not sure if I am perceived to have violated the TFR. I have to wonder; how long before the TFR start time does the TFR become effective? I feel that this Controller was at fault. I re-read the TFR text and found no disclaimer that said aircraft are not allowed to operate in the airspace prior to the TFR start time. The resultant turn back to ZZZ1 and abrupt approach created an unnecessarily abrupt and potentially risky arrival.