The article discusses the origins of aspects of cultural change using the example of archaeological cultures in south-eastern Poland, and with special reference to the meso-region of the lower Wisłok River. This study concludes that it is difficult to identify local roots in a traditional cultural-historical sense for most cultures within the study area. Attention is therefore focused on migrations and other population movements, as well as more complex external impacts on local populations, which are regarded as the main factors stimulating cultural change. In addition, some transformations and formations of new units may be due to local development (evolution) of cultures.