The engine will not run with out fuel pressure. I don't see why the ignition will be an issue. There are a few different ways it can be wired. It is easiest to kill ignition with a safety switch thus no fuel pump. I pre fill water separator filters when equipped. I have never encountered a problem with a high pressure filter being filled on its own. Now I have found an empty separator filter on an EFI will not fill itself.
Turn the key on and off a few times. Your should be able to hear the pump. When it runs an immediately stops it has made pressure. The first few times it may run longer.
