As for 6.1, you can use the context: {'search_default_FILTER_NAME':1}

See how the Installed Module menu action works:

    <record id="open_module_tree" model="ir.actions.act_window">
        <field name="name">Installed Modules</field>
        <field name="res_model">ir.module.module</field>
        <field name="view_type">form</field>
        <field name="view_mode">kanban,tree,form</field>
        <field name="context">{'search_default_installed':1}</field>
        <field name="search_view_id" ref="view_module_filter"/>
        <field name="help" type="html">
          <p><b>No module found!</b></p>
          <p>You should try others search criteria.</p>
        </field>
    </record>