You're right, dark souls doesn't tie progression to special items like zelda does
But dark souls is in part inspired by Zelda according to Miyazaki
Only in the western fantasy exploration tropes rather than any game design decisions to be honest, and far less so than it takes inspiration from...
fromsoftware's library is full of tight-fitting overworlds that limit progression through skill and knowledge. Elden Ring is the first time they'll be trying an open world game and I still fully expect "This door cannot be opened from this side" all over the place
for a series inspired somewhat...