I figured
 

I arrived at the light being there to supply just enough light to prevent me having to grope around in the dark to locate the map light switches. It gives me a bit of spatial awareness, so to speak. The map switches are just to the left of it. Locate this light, then it's easy to locate the map light switches without diverting your eyes from the road. Simple. That's what I use it for.
It seems so dim I can't see it being adequate to help anyone see the shifter pattern.

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Seems ridiculous to even need to see the shift gate in the first place. If you have to look at the stick while the map lights are off to figure out the pattern then you should not be on a public road :p

You got that right. That's one thing they told me when I learned how to drive to never look at the shifter when shifting otherwise there won't be a next gear !