Comment by simonw
I've always been fascinated to learn more about cultural differences around this topic.
I've seen arguments in the past that different nationalities may have different norms around this kind of thing, in particular over whether it's polite to launch straight into a request for help without confirming the other person is available and receptive first.
There may be a power dynamics thing here too - if somebody is seen as being more "senior" there may be additional perceived constraints on how a conversation should be conducted.
Since you've been involved in conversations about this for more than 15 years now have you seen any credible evidence of cultural differences that come into play here?
The relevant phrases to search and which were frequently encountered online circa 2010 are "high-context" and "low-context cultures".