Density Altitude is a combination of Air Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity. It's basically a "altitude" number under Standard Conditions.
It's the only time we consider humidity when talking shooting
DA is where the bullet "thinks" it is flying
temperature is a factor built-in but also temperature has a separate component
If you use DA you use DA, so in zeroing it would be the DA at that time. Why we zero at 100 yards is because the external conditions do not have a noticeable factor, it's too short of a distance to have time to work on the bullet.
You gather your dope as normal recording the DA, then you use that particular DOPE when you experience the same values.
Data on Previous Engagement or DOPE
You do everything normal, you just match the DOPE to the DA, then when you see that same DA again you use it.
Only every 1000ft matters, you can round up or down, 5500= 6000ft DA etc
DA can be is huge under the right conditions and at distance. Playing with a ballistic calculator as you're doing will help you to understand the limitations of your system. When you see questions posed about "effective range for a 308" posted here, DA makes a huge difference. What a guy in Vegas can do with a 24" 308 is a LOT different than what the same guy can do with a 20" 308 in Iowa.