You can specify a default manipulation mode (Translation, Rotation, or Scaling) for any object, so that when you select the object it is automatically set to the preferred manipulation mode.
Select the object in the Viewer window.
In the Properties window, expand Transformation Options.
From the Default Manipulation mode menu, select a manipulation mode that you want to be active whenever you select the object.

Properties window A. Setting a model’s Default Manipulation mode to Scaling.
Note: This mode is overridden whenever a new manipulation mode is selected.