The bitcoin is both. Bitcoin was originally invented as a digital store of value and also a payment system. You are the one who gets to decide whether to use bitcoin as a digital store of value or a payment method.
Bitcoin as a means of payment, that is the true reason for making bitcoin. Over time, bitcoin has become an expensive investment asset. But to be used as a bitcoin payment tool also continues to get support from various groups.
Until now, adoption of bitcoin continues to increase in various countries. Countries that have crypto-friendly regulations will make it easier for citizens to use bitcoin for payment, but not a few countries have regulations that prohibit bitcoin as a means of payment.
You could always just convert your fiat to crypto and keep a little crypto so you pay with crypto instead of fiat. If you want to keep some then buy some more. YOu not losing anything spending crypto if you were going to buy that item anyway. If you end up not spending all of it you will have some left that can act as your investment. You could even send your change to the same address after each purchase.
Honestly, any country that limits bitcoin payments is not worth living in, because that's not freedom.