Just part of the active check control system. It was a feature to let you know your brake lights worked.
Ditto. Keep in mind: It will come on if you start the car without your foot on the brakes. It is possible to start it without the clutch pressed in and no foot on the brake, BTW (assuming it's in neutral). In that case, the light will be on 'till you press the brake. (Maybe this is why you were asking, who knows.)
