There must be an open circuit to the bulb holder. Look for corrosion at the connections and check the harness between the hatch and body as these wires break after years of flexing. It is unlikely the check control is at fault.
You stated a check control not an OBC so I'm pretty sure your car has a rear lights check control relay that could also be the culprit.Switching it with another of the same relays from the car is a quick check.