The phrase "traction situations" refers to difficult or challenging circumstances where progress or success is hard to achieve. It means facing obstacles or hurdles that make it hard to gain momentum or move forward. Full definition
It's meant only to be engaged in reduced traction situations like snow, ice, gravel. (mechanics.stackexchange.com)
For extremely low traction situations in snow, sand or mud, the Ridgeline has a lock mode (actuated by putting the vehicle into first, second or reverse gears and pressing the VTM - 4 button on the instrument panel) to drive both rear wheels with equal left / right torque at speeds between 0 and 18 mph. (hondanews.com)
For an off - road aficionado like me, however, the solid rear axle of the Ascender is a better arrangement, giving the Isuzu more agility in severe off - road traction situations. (articles.orlandosentinel.com)