The story of the human race is, with few exceptions, one of expansion and exploration. If we can go, we (eventually) do.

The culture basis stems from each individual's self-identification as a member of a defined group, and personal alignment with the group's values and goals.

A nation, a scientific class, or the entire human race, can at times act with a collective purpose or goal. I believe that the human race will expand beyond Earth and evolve simultaneously, but not because individual humans have a fear of their own death, but because of the collective fear of the death of the species.