Drivers don't really think about their response, they just respond. If you're far enough left that they obviously have to cross the lane line to pass that's usually sufficient to move them over far enough. If your too far left I think it's taken as a challenge/blatant obstruction by many drivers and the naturally hot headed ones will overreact.
Humans while driving are sorta stupid binary processors. They either try and stay firmly in the lane, or move widely out to pass. They either accept the little cycle pylon or it irks em off. There's no logic, just response. Think training an intelligent dog, be calm and assertive, but no poking with sticks.