We present a general framework for constructing trans-scale discrete Boltzmann models (DBMs) for high-speed compressible flows ranging from continuum to transition regime. This is achieved by designing a higher-order discrete equilibrium distribution function that satisfies additional nonhydrodynamic kinetic moments. To characterize the thermodynamic nonequilibrium (TNE) effects and estimate the condition under which the DBMs at various levels should be used, two measures are presented: (i) the relative TNE strength, describing the relative strength of the (N+1)th order TNE effects to the Nth order one; (ii) the TNE discrepancy between DBM simulation and relevant theoretical analysis. Whether or not the higher-order TNE effects should be taken into account in the modeling and which level of DBM should be adopted is best described by the relative TNE intensity and/or the discrepancy rather than by the value of the Knudsen number. As a model example, a two-dimensional DBM with 26 discrete velocities at Burnett level is formulated, verified, and validated.