Not always. Material transfer and surface damage can look similar, so identify the mark through approved cleaning rather than aggressive abrasion.
What the observation means
Dragging cookware can leave deposits, but polishing harder can create damage. The pan base should also be checked while cool for roughness or contamination.
A useful next step
Use only the hob's permitted cleaner and method. If the mark remains, seek advice before trying stronger chemicals or abrasives. A crack, chip or sharp damaged area requires stop-use assessment and should not be treated as a cosmetic deposit.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.