In this world, the most important units are “families” then “communities”. The discrepancies between the definition of those concepts for people at large is what is the root cause for most conflicts. Communities and Families are what allow an individual to be safe from those preying on them and the monster that spawned from the cataclysm of Elderon.
The people are usually loyal to those concepts and it is seen as impolite to pry into the rules of someone else’s community.
Traditions are as such quite important for the world at large. The concept of individual success is sometimes difficult to understand for older folks. Superstitions and ancient practices are followed closely outside of the Empire. Lineage tells you your place in society. You have a chance to change that in the Empire but is there any place for your people in a place where everyone is equal?