I would say that the difference, at least in my eyes, besides the obvious being the length, would be the weight of the rod. I am not specifically referring to the actual weight (which is quick heavy) but the "weight" being light, medium, heavy, ultra light, etc...
Where as a normal jigging rod is used for lead jigs (or hooks and weights) under say, 1/2oz, spider rig or pushing/pulling rods have a little more heft and girth in order to handle heavier weights designed to keep the baits verticle in the water. That would be the major difference that I see. Guys might use weights in excess of 3oz. Much too heavy for a traditional jigging rod in the 10 to 12 foot range.
I have OCD "Obsessive Crappie Disorder"