I am trying to disassemble a 533 Series Price Pfister kitchen pull out faucet to replace the cartridge or valve gasket whichever is the culprit for the drip.

From the parts explosion diagram it appears the button on the handle begins this process of disassembly, but I feel like I am going to tear the button up as I try to pry it out. Am I missing something?

Since you already have a cutaway image I won't put one up. The button just snaps in. Pry it up and you'll find a screw under to loosen the handle. Good luck, Tom

Take sharp box cutter or utility knife. Insert the sharp edge under the button and apply even, continuous pressure. It will pop out...

In case you ruin it, you can always get a new one for few pennies...