Different light types - direct light
Direct light can be from a natural source as in the sun, or from an artificial light source that projects light as a concentrated, directable beam such as a spotlight or a torch. What both natural and artificial direct lights have in common is the fact that they are considered a small source light. Direct light results in what is termed as hard light falling on the subject revealing hard edged shadows and extremes of contrast. This makes it ideal for dramatic images and emphasis on specific areas of the photograph.
In the example, direct light is manifesting as rays of light as the direct sunlight is filtered though the foliage.