You may be right to the extent that "reading poetry" as a self-conscious
act is indeed associated with the elite. However, I think it is universal
human nature to enjoy poetry, usually when accompanied by music. Most
people who listen to pop music don't think of it as enjoying poetry, but
of course poetry is a major component of a hit song for example.
On the other hand, tastes do differ based on exposure and experience. A
great many tastes are "acquired." (When I had my first cup of coffee, I
thought it tasted nasty and couldn't understand why people drank the stuff.
Now, things are different :-)). So, given that a rickshaw-walla's life
experience is different from that of a college professor, it is quite likely
that what the professor appreciates won't appeal to the rickshaw-driver.
But the hypothetical rickshaw-driver may be a member of a community that
has a rich oral tradition which makes up and sings songs, and he may be
doing so without being aware that what he and his community are doing has the
name "poetry."
My personal views.
Bapa Rao