To see an escalator in your dream indicates movement between various levels of consciousness. If you are moving up in the escalator, then it suggests that you are addressing and confronting emotional issues. You are moving through your spiritual journey with great progress and ease. If you are going down the escalator, then it implies repression and descent back into your subconscious. You may be experiencing a setback.
To dream that you or someone is going up the downside of the escalator implies that you are not confronting your emotions in an effective manner. Perhaps you are afraid of exposing yourself to vulnerabilities. Alternatively, the dream means that you are putting in too much work and effort into something that is not worthwhile. You are wasting your energy on unproductive pursuits.