Tradition is a concept widely understood outside the world of folk song scholarship - it's simply what's going on when someone repeats an old saying that Granny used to enjoy. Modes of behaviour like that existed long before terms like 'tradition' or 'folk' were applied to them (which was a long time ago, as has already been amply demonstrated), and are in no way dependent on academics or some meddlesome bourgeoisie for their meaning. Wasn't it the Copper Family who, discussing their priceless heritage of song, said "It's just what we do"?