Final answer:
Hierarchical diffusion was utilized by Christianity to spread the religion. Rulers and political leaders converted and declared it the official religion, which led to its adoption by the general population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hierarchical diffusion played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. Christianity used hierarchical diffusion when rulers and political leaders in different regions converted to the religion and declared it as the official religion of their realms. This led to the religion filtering down the political hierarchy and eventually reaching the masses. A key example of hierarchical diffusion in Christianity is when Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire converted to Christianity and subsequently spread the religion throughout the empire, leading to its widespread acceptance.