A push-based filtering of objects in a client-server hierarchy based on usage information. A method of annotating a push object with meta information on its content and/or urgency is also described. Objects can be staged at the server(s) to provide fast access when the filtered object is later requested. The PICS protocol may be used to communicate various types of information: e.g., by the content provider or a higher level proxy to annotate the object, including an urgency, a summary or title, a group classification, and/or an identity of the push; to convey usage or preference information on pushed objects up the hierarchy, including usage information and user preferences based on object group classifications; and to convey a staging status of each staged object down the hierarchy to improve caching efficiency. An object may include a content hierarchy such as a title, a summary and the full content. The filtering process can factor in not only which next (lower) level nodes will receive the push, but also the content level each node will receive. The push filtering decision can be based on aggregate usage information at the lower level proxy or client nodes. A staging decision can be based on the filtering decision, the successful completion of the push to the selected lower level proxies/clients, object usage information and/or a staging decision on other nodes in the hierarchy. An efficient means to purge a staged object is also described.