This paper presents the Cultural Elements Framework for Information Systems (CEFIS) that supports the explicit representation and discussion of cultural considerations during Requirements Engineering (RE) for Digital Information Systems (DIS). This early-stage research framework is motivated by persistent challenges in designing trusted public-facing systems for culturally diverse populations. CEFIS structures cultural knowledge into inspectable Cultural Elements (CEs) that can be considered alongside traditional requirements artifacts. Rather than prescribing cultural requirements, the framework aims to make cultural assumptions visible, discussable, and traceable during early RE and design activities. A proof-of-concept (POC) application of CEFIS for a food assistance website serving a predominantly Hispanic population illustrates how selected CEs can be operationalized and reflected in prototype designs. This exploratory qualitative evaluation, conducted through focus groups, provides preliminary insights into how community members perceive culturally informed design choices when comparing new food-pantry website prototypes with the original site. The POC also highlighted methodological challenges associated with studying culture in RE contexts. Consistent with the goals of a Research Preview, this work does not evaluate effectiveness or generalizability; instead, it contributes structured conceptual framing, an initial operationalization, and a research agenda to stimulate discussion and future empirical work within the requirements engineering community.