Hughton has made seven signings so far this summer, including ?8.5million striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel from Sporting Lisbon and Gary Hooper from Celtic, but believes expectation should remain in check despite 12th and 11th-placed finishes in the last two seasons.
"We're still a club that's developing," Hughton said.
"This will be our third season back in the Premier League. We've had two very good seasons in this division, but this season - irrespective of what we've brought in - will start just as hard as last season started.
"It's still making sure we start next season's Premier League in the division - that's always the objective - but we want to make progress."
Norwich play Braga in a pre-season friendly on Friday in a match which sees Van Wolfswinkel return to Portugal, where he scored freely for Sporting.
The Dutchman is still to get off the mark for the Canaries, but an expectant public saw flashes of his ability during an open training session at Carrow Road on Thursday and will hope he can hit the ground running in the Premier League at home to Everton on August 17.
"He's a player that's always scored goals, but this is the toughest league to do it in," Hughton said.
"It's been tough for him in pre-season so far. We've had some tough games.
"It's a great challenge for him. That's the reason why we brought him in.
Source: PA
Source: PA