It will probably play better on film this way. When someone's handling it you're less likely to see it if it's on the end, and when it's not being handled it's probably being hidden away anyway.
This would be my guess. Makes more sense in a visual medium to apply marks that will be seen more easily and frequently by the viewers, and less of a pain as a practical effect. If they didn't have the hand brands applied constantly someone would probably throw a fit over a quick shot of an...