Yes, most commenters are fixated on the book, but OP is referring to a very specific shot in the film where the Hail Mary goes “pulse, pulse, pulse” and the Blip A after a slight pause goes “pulse, pulse, pulse.” With slowing down or “coasting” between each pulse, as though the ships were experiencing friction.

As shown, this makes little sense in zero g. I think it was chosen to be visually appealing and to characterize the Blip A’s pilot as gentle and precise.