how all these years later, it sticks in the memory compared to other open world missions - even other saints row missions that attempted the same tricks

i think it's the combination of

• catchy song that probably doesn't have stronger associations - when SR3 uses holding out for a hero later, any use of that has some ogre-sized boots to fill
• mission is relatively early on
• song kicks in at start of mission and plays throughout - a lot of others are just for segments. i can't tell you anything about the missions with enforced karaoke other than they have long drives for the karaoke to play out
• unusual intro of immediately starting you with a skydive

(just a shame the song is by that guy)