Setting your transmitter up with dual control rates (high & low) is better than programming in expo for that model plane in my opinion . Set you low rate control surface movement at or a bit less than the setting in the manual go out with an experienced pilot for your first several flights and you should be fine . The experienced pilot can take it up for the first time and get the plane trimmed out and then let you fly it while it's in the air either via a buddy box or handing the transmitter back&forth and then land it for you until you get more experienced.
Expo (as already defined) is not a good idea for a trainer plane unless as stated ,you have a medical condition where you can't keep the sticks steady or have a hard time "feeling" the sticks.
If you don't have problems and decide to use it I would recommend backing it out in steps as soon as you can so you don't become dependent on it.