A new technology has been developed. The earliest adopters of this new technology tend to be located in major metropolitan areas. Over time, residents of suburban areas surrounding each of these metropolitan areas follow suit and adopt the new technology. Subsequently, the technology is adopted in small towns and rural areas beyond the limits of the suburbs. Which of the following concepts is most consistent with that spatial pattern?

Distance decay

None are correct

Transferrability

Spatial diffusion $($hierarchical$)$

Intervening opportunity