Which type of expansion diffusion describes the spread of an idea to numerous near locations or people?

Contagious expansion diffusion describes the spread of an idea, behavior, or innovation through a population, often rapidly and directly, similar to the way an infectious disease might spread. In this type of diffusion, the idea or trend is transmitted through close proximity, affecting individuals or groups that are nearby. As it propagates, it tends to reach out from the original source to neighboring locations or individuals, resulting in a widespread adoption of the idea among those in close contact.

For instance, consider how a viral video or a popular meme can quickly circulate among various individuals within a community as people share it with friends and family. This phenomenon exemplifies contagious diffusion, as it relies on interpersonal interactions and proximity to facilitate the spread.

Other diffusion types differ significantly in their mechanisms. Hierarchical expansion diffusion, for instance, typically involves the spread of ideas from larger to smaller populations, often influenced by social status or power. Stimulus expansion diffusion refers to the innovation that prompts a change, but the idea itself may not spread completely intact. Relocation diffusion involves the actual physical movement of people who bring their ideas to new locations, rather than the idea spreading among those who remain in the original location.