In hierarchical expansion diffusion, the original idea typically spreads from:

In hierarchical expansion diffusion, the original concept or innovation spreads primarily from individuals or institutions that hold considerable influence or authority. This model reflects the pattern where ideas are adopted first by those in power, such as high-profile individuals or organizations, and subsequently trickle down to less influential members of society. The rationale behind this is that influential persons or entities are often more visible and can impact larger groups through their endorsements or actions, thereby enhancing the likelihood of widespread adoption of the idea.

The diffusion often follows a top-down approach, where ground-level individuals or grassroots movements typically adopt the idea after it has been validated or popularized by those in power, resulting in a significant and systematic dissemination across larger populations. This contrasts with other forms of diffusion like contagious diffusion, where ideas spread more randomly and uniformly from person to person, regardless of social status or influence.