diff --git a/rest_framework/serializers.py b/rest_framework/serializers.py
index ea2daffd5..ac7e39892 100644
--- a/rest_framework/serializers.py
+++ b/rest_framework/serializers.py
@@ -608,10 +608,15 @@ class ListSerializer(BaseSerializer):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
         self.child.bind(field_name='', parent=self)
 
-    def get_initial(self):
-        if hasattr(self, 'initial_data'):
-            return self.to_representation(self.initial_data)
+   def get_initial(self):
+    if hasattr(self, 'initial_data'):
+        # If data is given, we should just return the raw input structure,
+        # but ensure it's represented in a consistent list format.
+        if isinstance(self.initial_data, list):
+            return [self.child.get_initial() for _ in self.initial_data]
         return []
+    return []
+
 
     def get_value(self, dictionary):
         """