A computer-implemented method for generating a hierarchy-based trace log includes: receiving a log generated by a trace program performed in a computer system, the log having entries organized by sequence number, each entry including an object key for an object involved in the traced event and a log message about the traced event; identifying all object keys that occur in the log; assigning different separation values to each of the entries; generating respective adjusted sequence numbers for all of the entries by combining each entry's sequence number with the separation value for that entry; and storing an adjusted log having entries organized by the adjusted sequence numbers.