Hierarchical Diffusion

Hierarchical diffusion is a process of cultural diffusion where ideas, trends, or behaviors spread from larger, influential places or groups to smaller, less influential ones. For example, a new fashion style might start in a major city among celebrities and then gradually reach smaller towns as it becomes popular. This type of diffusion often relies on social structures, where more powerful or prominent individuals or regions influence those lower in the hierarchy. It contrasts with other diffusion types, like contagious diffusion, which spreads more randomly and widely among the population.