I could see that happening, particularly because -- as Scott points out -- when you are sitting around being happy, you aren't doing anything particularly productive. Cultures with a particular set of rules regarding button-pushing would be naturally more materially wealthy than those without, although not necessarily as happy.
I would imagine the right to pressing button or having your button pressed will be institutionalized,e.g. through a Church or Government. Doing that freely and often - before some sort of permission, license or ceremony - would be stigmatized and possibly outlawed.