There are four main determining factors, which determine the behavior of smoke.

Temperature

The temperature of a fire is a major consideration in determining the amount of smoke penetration throughout the structure.  The higher the temperature the higher the pressure, which will cause increased penetration and damage.

Temperature of the Surroundings

Warmed or heated air rises and tends to migrate to colder surfaces, such as outside walls, closets and windows.  Convection currents will continue to bring warm air to cooler surfaces, which deposits smoke residues on these cooler surfaces.

Ionization & Magnetism

Smoke particles are attracted to metal surfaces such as plumbing, coat hangers; nail heads because of opposite electrical charges.  Opposites attract.

Pattern of Airflow & Space Arrangement

Smoke will travel around various obstructions, following air currents, on its journey throughout the building.  Each obstruction acts a as a crude filter.  As a result of this filtration, the amount of residue, to be found, decreases as the smoke travels further from its source.