Answer:
Impression management
Step-by-step explanation:
Impression management can be explained as a process in which people make attempt to control or influence other people's perception about an event or object. It can also be described as how people control how they are perceived by others.
In this case, the hitchhiker was trying to change the perception of others, that is, the people, towards the hitchhiker, which prevent them from getting help whenever they need one especially at this likely situation, by making a suitcase out of a gasoline can, so that he will look like a stranded motorist, and people will not be afraid of helping him.