In Norway, ATC is not responsible for terrain clearence in the "direct" scenario, so if on a SID, and given "cleared direct XXXXX", crew should not set course until above MSA or minimum track alt.
That said, any controller that have worked more then 2 minutes in alpine condtions will add "when ready" or "when sufficent altitude" etc to the direct clearence. (Or just wait until they pass MSA.......like I do!)
I have seen to many crews leave SIDs well below safe altitude.