From the very Start in Star Wars although it is not in the shot somehow, when Ben get’s struck down his Robe catches alight… Then Vader Stamps out the flames with his foot. The lore is established.
Uhhh … I think you’re creating that scenario in your mind, pal. There’re no smouldering/burning robes in that shot; Vader’s stomping the robes in confusion over where Ben’s remains went.
It was not working but Vader putting his foot on the robes was to put out the flames… See this.
https://youtu.be/FSuDjjlIPak?t=2221
And yes it works either way no problems
There is another take of this where he does the neck swipe but I can not seem to find it. But you understand now why he prods it with his foot.