It can be done on Mac OSX Finder.
So why not on some file manager on Ubuntu?
So, a workaround (a crap workaround) is to have a VM of OSX (official copies can be purchased for about $20 if you can't get one) and use this function through finder /:
While I can agree to the fact that it can take a long time to continually expand directories - again, from experience with finder --
it is an incredibly useful function.
You select the directory, and press the right arrow key to expand it,
and you can continue doing this as far in as you want to go.
And you can do this to multiple folders within a single directory.
I find great use for this,
as my folders are arranged in a logical (to me) structure, which I wish to be able to copy between systems, without necessarily copying contents.
In OS X, expanding numerous folders like this,
and then copying to clipboard, and into a text editor :
Copies the full file tree - with text indents for every subdirectory.
SUPER useful.
There would be several other uses I imagine, and I'm sure the OP has one of his own.
If it's "by design", I hope file manager designers change their design a bit.