What the man said
Like many vintage appliances with motors Maytag wringer washers do not have an "off" and "on" switch. Plugging the thing into outlet at once starts the motor, it is then the releasing of a "clutch" or whatever that starts motion. To cease motion one reverses whatever caused it to begin (switch, lever, button...).
My Ironrite ironer is the same way, no start or on button, just plug it in, motor starts, set the thermostat.....
If you are truly keen on knowing the why and how, download service manual for Maytag "conventional" washers from the library. It goes into detail and gives explicit instructions on how the motor and everything else operates.