Given that the cement floor in my basement is not even and can in some places change almost an inch over a 8ft span. can I use a slight and graduated rise in my stud heights to compensate?

Are you planning to stick build the wall in the upright position?

Hopefully not because I am doing this alone mostly with occasional help

If you build it as one piece laying on the floor it would be tough to alter the length of individual studs. I'd build it, square it, and then shim from the ceiling. Use treated lumber as your footer.

If u use steel studding will make no difference because top and bottom plates are installed first. The studs are loose fit in channels. If non baring walls this works great.

Chuck

I would install a treated plate on the floor, shimming as necessary to make it straight and level. Then build my wall laying down and stand it up.

My basement floor is uneven too. I plan on installing a treated bottom plate and then the top plate. Finally I will install the studs by toe nailing them.