WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Engine Versus Vehicle Speed Graph L Range (Vehicles Without Sport Mode)
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
By limiting the shift range to the area around the lowest pulley ratio, the powerful driving force and engine brake is secured.