I have seen this requirement in the occasional government spec. I think it is to prevent a travesty. Note, I did not say prevent a tragedy, as it cannot do that. But if a person is shocked while touching a light pole, and the investigation reveals that the electrician "failed" to install a "proper" ground rod, the resulting legal ramifications would amount to a travesty.
I once received a comment on a government project to the effect that I needed to add a ground rod at a light pole. I asked the commenter why, stating that it would serve no purpose and absolutely could not prevent a person from receiving a shock. His response: "I know. But I want one anyway."