do not bother to ask ATC for clarification - it makes too much sense.
do not use initiative, regulations and procedures are a preferred substitute.
before 25 miles, the concept of maintaining any altitude in excess of the lowest en route FL or altitude makes too much sense, as it is likely to avoid premature contact with terrain.
when inside the 25 mile MSA do not, descend down to the safe altitude, it is likely to make the approach segment and aircraft configuration too easy to manage
if it is possible to find a longer and more complex way of achieving the task of a straight in approach, explore all options, then you can write about them on PPRuNE