  We investigate the dynamics of quantum entanglement after a global quench and
uncover a qualitative difference between the behavior of the von Neumann
entropy and higher R\'enyi entropies. We argue that the latter generically grow
\emph{sub-ballistically}, as $\propto\sqrt{t}$, in systems with diffusive
transport. We provide strong evidence for this in both a U$(1)$ symmetric
random circuit model and in a paradigmatic non-integrable spin chain, where
energy is the sole conserved quantity. We interpret our results as a
consequence of local quantum fluctuations in conserved densities, whose
behavior is controlled by diffusion, and use the random circuit model to derive
an effective description. We also discuss the late-time behavior of the second
R\'enyi entropy and show that it exhibits hydrodynamic tails with \emph{three
distinct power laws} occurring for different classes of initial states.
